Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. —1 Peter 3:8.
Unity and harmony are no accident! They happen because of intention and submission. More than just states of being we find along life’s way, they are commanded by God. We are to pursue them! How do we have unity and harmony? Peter reminds us we must have three commitments in our “family of faith” lifestyle:
- We actively share our sorrows, losses, and concerns
- We love and value each other as family.
- We show compassion and humility with each other.
Rather than acting superior to others as they deal with their failures and loss, we are sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. We recognize that we are vulnerable to the same problems, hurts, wounds, and temptations as our brothers and sisters who need us, and whom we need to be fully JESUShaped disciples!