Devotion: Household Codes
1 Peter 3:8-11 (NIV)
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
Do you have a household code? My grandchildren would probably answer, “ A garage code, front door code, a password.”
Codes have existed for centuries. The Romans had household codes as written in the first seven verses of chapter 3 in today’s reading. In times of war, secret codes were devised to scout the enemy. Coding is an essential tool for software developers. There are codes of conduct, dress codes, ethical codes. Codes everywhere. How about in the home?
In 1 Peter 3:8-11, Peter writes about each of us being held responsible for how we live out each day. He speaks of harmony, sympathy, compassion, love, and humility, trading evil for good. We are instructed to follow Jesus’s household code for living.
In our world, it is often deemed acceptable to get back when we are hurt or trade insult for insult. Peter instructs us to repay evil with blessing. “Turn from evil and do good; …seek peace and pursue it.” v.11
In October of 2006, 10 young girls in a one-room Amish schoolhouse were shot. In the midst over their shocking loss, the Amish community didn’t cast blame, they didn’t point fingers or hold a news conference. Instead, they reached out to the gunman’s family. Walking over the hill to the funeral of the perpetrator, Charles Roberts, the Amish formed a crescent of love and compassion around his family outnumbering the non-Amish that day. They turned from evil, did good, and sought peace.
Do we have a household code to live by? Peter has given us a blueprint to not only live but love life and see good days!
Dear Heavenly Father, Direct our footsteps to follow the household code for living that you have given us. Let us lead lives that prove evidence of our trust in you and what you have taught us. Let us be seekers of peace and compassion, sharing God’s love throughout the world. Amen
Written by Janece Nelson
Janece and husband, Mike, have been members of Sheridan for eleven years. Janece is a retired mathematics instructor teaching at the middle school and college level. They are blessed with two children and three grandchildren (ages 7-13). Janece finds her greatest joy in spending time with her family and friends. Her passion is writing devotions for patients in hospitals and rehabs she sees every Monday as a Sheridan hospital visitor. As a Teammate, she also mentors girls at Boys Town. Janece credits Faith Builders and Companions in Christ for her spiritual growth.