Gospel Patterns for Reconciliation (1 Peter 3)

Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

What if each of us applied these instructions found in 1 Peter 3? I believe we would see many of the problems dissolve in our relationships. God knows this and that’s why his word is prescribing it.

If I’m intentional about being like-minded and sympathetic, trying to understand where my spouse is coming from (rather than my point of view!), I bet my attitude toward my spouse would change for the better. I bet I wouldn’t get as upset and make the wrong judgment call.

If I choose to extend love through being compassionate and humble, instead of unleashing on the person how right I am (and how wrong they are!), I bet I would have more peace. I bet my demeanor would change toward that person who gets under my skin.

If I decide in the middle of a disagreement not to exchange a spiteful word for an attacking word, I bet it would put out that little camp fire before it turned into a wildfire. If I practiced taking a minute to cool down, understand where the person is coming from before I respond, and then speak blessings over that person as 1 Peter 3 says, I know I would see things resolve.

Turn that “If I…” into an “I will…” and you will experience the blessings of obedience to God’s word. In your current conflict, humble yourself and apply 1 Peter 3:8-9, and you will see that fractured relationship begin to change for the better. This is the gospel pattern for reconciliation.