1 Peter 3:8-12 8Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as Brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. 9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you should inherit a Blessing. 10For he who will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12Folr the eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers; but the Face of the Lord is against them who do evil.
The power of the cross is twofold. Supremely, it is the reconciliation of God and man.
But it is more. The cross is also the only basis for a radical change in our relationship with one another. Let’s face it. It is our encounters with other folk that stirs up most of our anxieties. Tensions with family, co-workers, friends, neighbors, or an acquaintance can occupy much of our time and thought.
For sin not only created conflict and alienation with God, it also exalted self to the throne of every man’s life. Only the cross, where we receive the new nature of Christ, can provide the power to relate harmoniously to one another. We are called and enabled supernaturally to:
1. Serve one another (Read: Galatians 5:13)
2. Comfort one another (Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:18)
3. Bear one another’s burdens. (Read: Galatians 6:2)
4. Accept one another (Read: Romans 15:7)
5. Admonish one another (Read: Romans 15:14)
Listen: As a Christian, if you are at odds with a Christian Brother or friend, go to the cross and ask Jesus through the Holy Spirit for His power to demonstrate the reality of His love through you. If you have never accepted Christ as Savior now would be a good time and let Him help fix your relationships.
Finally, Becoming a peace-maker will bring “the peace which surpasses comprehension” (Philippians 4:7).
