Welcome to the next part of our series, "Blessed Assurance."
Here is today's text:

(1 Peter 3:8-12) Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.

And that word is the Good News that was preached to you..

We can stand strong because we have a blessed assurance that nothing on Earth can touch.

Overall Commentary: 🌎

Peter is finishing his discourse on how to be an example to a world that does not know Jesus and does not trust Christians. This time, he is appealing to all Christians to live their love for each other out loud as an example of hope.

Commentary.

Verse 8. Harmonize.

This verse lists five virtues of every healthy Christian community:

One mind- This does not mean there is no freedom of thought. This means they are unified in their focus.
Sympathize—this means the community truly walks with each other. They realize other people go through hardships, and their goal is to help in any way they can.
Love- this is the greek work for "philo." It means a brotherly affection. It is the type of love that hopes, forgives, and perseveres.
Tenderhearted- This means someone who truly cares for another.
Humble attitude- Considering the life of another instead of being self-obsessed.

Verse 9-. Called to Be a Blessing.

Jesus says this is Matthew 5, echoed throughout the New Testament. The calling of the church is to show how to love as Christ has loved and forgiven us.

Verse 10-12. Notes.

Peter quotes a Psalm to show how God has given us the choice of how to respond to difficult circumstances. He says we can choose to "enjoy life." This does not mean that Christians do not have difficulties. It means the Christian can choose how to respond to life's difficulties.

God's Promise:

(John 13:34-35) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER will prove to the world that you are my disciples.