Peter’s Practical Points

The books of Proverbs and James have been rightfully lauded for their practicality.  Many of the truths contained in those writings are useful in everyday aspects of life.  However, Proverbs and James are not the only inspired writings that help in such ways.  For instance, the apostle Peter wrote what we call “general epistles” to first century Christians.  In those two books, there are different things that are included to help the child of God during his time on Earth.  For the sake of this article, let us focus our attention to some of what we call First Peter chapter three.  There are several things stated that we can use to improve ourselves.

First of all, the apostle wrote, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:” (1 Pet. 3:8).  Unity should be something that every Christian desires to have with his brethren.  Paul echoed Peter’s sentiments when he wrote, “Now  I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).  There cannot exist differing doctrines and practices for there to be unity.  This notion of “unity in diversity” is far from Scriptural when it comes to these things.  Paul further taught, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:1-6).  Jesus Himself prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:20-23).

Christians are also to have “compassion one of another”.  Sadly, there is not enough compassion exhibited at times.  We should realize that all Christians are struggling with similar issues and temptations.  Instead of making things harder for one another, we should be doing what we can to ease the load that we have to endure.  Jesus is obviously the perfect example of showing compassion.  Even after He was condemned to die, Jesus still cared for those who were guilty.  Instead of seeking their destruction, He prayed, “…Father forgive them; for they know not what they do…” (Luke 23:34).  On another occasion, Jesus said, “…I have compassion on the multitude because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat:  and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way” (Matt. 15:32).  Likewise, it is written, “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean” (Mark 1:41).  We should show such compassion to our brethren.  By doing such we will also be fulfilling our duty to love each other.  Again, it was Jesus, Who commanded and demonstrated true love.  He said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).  He also said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).  The love that Christians should have is mentioned by John, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:  and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).

The final two things mentioned in First Peter chapter three verse eight are that Christians are to be “pitiful” and “courteous”.  To be “pitiful” means that one is “full of pity”.  We should sincerely care about the plight of others, and in turn do what we can to demonstrate that care.  Even to the point where we place ourselves behind others, which is indicative of being courteous.  Paul wrote, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another…Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:10, 13).

While not exhaustive of the responsibilities of Christians, these few things will help us to live as God desires for us.  We will do well to put into practice “Peter’s practical points.”
~ Corey Barnette