Devotion: Skills & Strategies
Please take a moment to read 1 Peter 3:8-17.
Oh, my word! Peter and Paul gave the early Christians and we citizens today a hard task. In verse 8, he writes — “You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.” (The Living Bible).
What an especially timely message for today’s world citizens! The events of the world and America have led many families to argue and separate, friends to disagree and not speak to each other, and acts of violence to others whom we don’t even know. How in the world are we going to be one big happy family?
Well first, trust in the words of the Bible. Peter and Paul give us suggestions in verse 10. “If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue and guard your lips from telling lies.” Those words are going to challenge a few million people including you and me. During this past election cycle, lies, misinformation, divisive comments poured out of TV programs, campaigners, and our friends and neighbors. But thankfully, this suggestion is doable — everyone can do this. It may take some restraint and practice, but our language and communication with each other is vital in our world — not to mention that our children are watching and learning from us.
Secondly, the writers encourage us in verse 11 to: “Turn away from evil and do good.” That sounds simple. But we all know it isn’t. But if this verse isn’t enough to make you stop, listen to Peter and Paul’s warning. “For the Lord is watching . . .”
It may take practice, but we all can do this. One day a few years ago, I waited for my husband outside a Target store in Olathe, Kansas. I decided to say something nice to each person who passed me. When I said, “You sure look busy today!” or I complimented something about them, they stared at me as if I were nuts. But then their faces changed, and a smile was sent back. A woman hustled past me as I told her, “I really love your dress, the colors are great!” She jumped back as if I shocked her. She issued a quick “Thanks” and moved on only to come back out of the store to tell me that she liked my shoes!
Kind words, gracious actions, tender hearts, and humble minds are contagious. We all need to try hard to change this climate of anger and internal turmoil as Peter states in verse 11, “Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!”
Calm your heart, practice kindness — if not for yourself, then for your children and grandchildren. We need to be united in love.
Let us pray.
Dear God,
Please send your Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of all people. Give us the strength to practice sympathy toward each other using loving hearts and humble minds. We can only do this through your help and the love of Jesus Christ, who is our example of all goodness. Amen
Written by Glenda Clare
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Glenda and her husband, Steve, joined Sheridan Lutheran in the spring of 2003. At previous Lutheran churches, Glenda has been active as an organist, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, and has served on liturgy teams. As a retired English and Speech Communications educator, Glenda enjoys reading, writing, and caring for two-year-old granddaughter, Rose.