Conflict in the church is so common that some people even joke about it, like a church splitting over the color of the carpet. Indeed, church history is littered with examples of division. Even so, Jesus claimed, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
In 1 Peter 3, Peter calls the church to lean hard into this truth. Peter has been talking about how Christians relate to outsiders. Here, he shifts to address the church community. We are to be like-minded, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble (v. 8). Humility helps enable the rest with Jesus as our example. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Taking the role of a servant, Jesus performed a powerful object lesson. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Following Jesus, we are to be sympathetic and loving toward one another.
When conflict arises, our tendency is to fight for our position, especially if we feel we have been treated unjustly. Yet, Peter presents a different way, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult” (v. 9). Jesus had taught Peter that believers were called to love even their enemies (Matt. 5:44). When evil was done to them, they were to repay it—with blessing (v. 9)!
Our speech should be used to build others up and bring life, not tear down and destroy (v. 10). This is only possible because of the Spirit of God at work within us. It is also grounded in the knowledge that God is sovereign, He cares for the righteous, and is “against those who do evil” (v. 12). With faith in God’s fatherly care, we can be free to love others in this radical way.
Go Deeper
Have you experienced division in the church or between members? What were the root causes? Would humility help resolve those issues?
Pray with Us
Life in community always brings challenges. Jesus, when we stumble into conflict, show us how to repay evil with blessing. Give us self-control to build up and bring life with our words and actions.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.1 Peter 3:9
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