“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers (and sisters), be tenderhearted, be courteous (and humble).” 1Peter 3:8 (NKJV)
It would be a marvel to find in any community under heaven a complete expression of the instructions contained in this and the following verses. Yet nothing less than this is the Christian ideal, and it would be well if, without waiting for others, each one would adopt these rules as the binding regulation of daily life. This would be our worthiest contribution to the convincing of the world, and to the coming of the Kingdom of our Lord. Does not the Apostle’s use of the word “finally” teach us that all Christian doctrine is intended to lead up to and initiate that life of love, the bold outlines of which are sketched in these words?
The general principle. “… all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another.” This oneness of mind does not demand similarity, but unity in variety. We shall never be of one mind in the sense of all holding the same opinions; but we may be all of one mind when, beneath differences of opinion, expression, and view, we are ruled by a common devotion to Jesus Christ.
Note the specific applications.
“…love as brothers (and sisters)”. Love is not identical with like. God’s sovereign individual placement of our lives does not ask us whom we would like to be our brethren – that is settled for us. But we are commanded to love them, regardless of our natural preferences and tastes. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34. Love does not necessarily originate in the emotions, but in the will; it consists not in feeling, but in doing; not in sentiment, but in action; not in soft words, but in unselfish deeds.
“…be tenderhearted.” Oh, for the compassion of our blessed Lord! How often it breaks out in the Gospel narrative to the weak and moral wanderers, to the hungry crowds, and to the suffering who sought His help!
“…be courteous (and humble).” Be ready to take the least comfortable seat, or to let others sit while you stand. Let the manners of your Heavenly Father’s Court be always evident in your daily life, so that the world may learn that Christianity produces not simply the heroism of a great occasion, but the moment-by-moment courtesies of daily living.
PRAYER
Blessed Lord, I ask You to pour down upon me such grace as may not only cleanse this life of mine, but beautify it. Grant, I pray, that I may love You with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, and my neighbor as myself. Amen.
From Our Daily Walk by F B Meyer, available to read free online
Biblical Truth for the Last Days 