Being Like-Minded

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
– 1 Peter 3:8-9


Peter writes to a community under pressure—not only from the outside world but also from the tensions that can arise within any group of believers. His words call them to a higher standard, not grounded in agreement or ease, but in Christlike character: sympathy, love, tenderness, humility, and the power to bless in the face of insult.

These qualities don’t develop in isolation. They are forged in relationship—especially in difficult ones. Being “like-minded” doesn’t mean identical opinions. It means shared purpose in Christ, mutual love despite disagreement, and a desire to treat one another with care and honor. The command not to repay insult with insult is especially important in a world so quick to wound with words.

To bless instead of retaliate is not just good behavior—it is a holy calling. And Peter says that when we do so, we participate in a deeper inheritance: the blessing of living in the peace and power of God’s kingdom, even here and now.


Questions

1. Which of Peter’s commands—sympathy, love, tenderness, humility, blessing—do you most need to grow in?

2. How can you practice blessing someone who has frustrated or offended you?

3. What does it mean for you to live as one “called” to bless others?


Suggested Activity

Choose one person who has annoyed, hurt, or opposed you recently—perhaps a fellow believer. Instead of rehearsing the offense, ask God to help you speak or act in a way that blesses them. This could be a kind word, a silent prayer, or a simple act of grace.


Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

You responded to insult with silence, to injury with mercy, to rejection with love. Teach me to follow in Your steps. Give me a heart that is tender, humble, and ready to bless—especially when it’s hard. Let me be someone who builds peace instead of conflict, and who gives grace instead of judgment. Let my life be a channel of Your blessing.

In Your name I pray. Amen.

- 

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