1 Peter 3:8-11 (NRSV)
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Verse 8Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Verse 9Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called-that you might inherit a blessing. Verse 10For "Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; Verse 11let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it.
Devotion
In his explanation of the eighth commandment in the Large Catechism Luther regards the tongue as both a dangerous weapon and an instrument of blessing. With it we can rob others of what is most precious, their good reputation and self-respect. But with it we can also speak words that build up and comfort, words that dissolve suspicion and make peace. Luther concludes: “Rather, we should use our tongue to speak only the best about people, to cover the sins and infirmities of our neighbors, to justify their actions, and to cloak and veil them with our own honor. Our chief reason for doing this is the one that Christ has given in the gospel, and in which he means to encompass all the commandments concerning our neighbor, ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.’”
Prayer
Gracious God, grant that our neighbors may deal kindly and honorably with us and that our families and communities may not be harmed by cruel tongues. Amen.