Daily Devotion (October 30, 2024)
1 Peter 3:8–9 (NKJV)
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;
9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
The focus of the Christian is Jesus Christ! The “Mind of Christ”. Christians are to develop their lives on the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ.
Christians must keep their minds on becoming just like Jesus…being conformed to the image of Christ! Paul wrote in Romans 8:29 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
The focus of the Christian is Jesus Christ! We are not called to be like other Christians…! We are called, saved, to be like Jesus. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him (Jesus Christ) and the power of HIS (Jesus Christ) resurrection, and the fellowship of his (Jesus Christ) sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Jesus Christ).”
When we focus on Jesus Christ then we will be of one mind. When in college the textbook was the Bible. There were many books of supplemental reading, but THE textbook of the school was the Bible. In seminary the textbook was the Bible. The focus of the Bible is Jesus Christ. Our focus must be Jesus Christ! When Jesus is the focus of the Christian then there is unity in the body.
Christians do not retaliate but bless those who do evil against them. The true believer in Christ does not return evil for evil to anyone. Paul wrote in Romans 12:20, “Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” It suggests that by showing kindness to your enemy, you might cause them to feel a burning sense of shame or remorse for their actions. IT’S NOT ABOUT VENGEANCE, but about leading them to self-reflection and repentance through unexpected kindness. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”