I Peter 3:8-15a (NRSV)
Read I Peter 3:8-15a on biblegateway.com
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. Verse 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Verse 13Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? Verse 14But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, Verse 15but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;
Devotion
Today's text talks about unity of spirit, something it seems difficult to achieve these days in our church, our country or our world. Even if we can convince ourselves that unity doesn't mean uniformity, a unity of spirit can seem like only a pious dream. That's because we can never achieve such unity merely by our own efforts. Unity of spirit is a blessing that God gives, or rather, as the text says, it is a blessing we inherit from God. The coming of God brings blessing and a unity of spirit we cannot take credit for ourselves. How is God calling you to live into your inheritance this Advent?
Prayer
God our redeemer, we praise you for our inheritance from you—a unity of spirit, a tender heart and a humble mind. Help us use our inheritance wisely in faith toward you and in fervent love for one another, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.