June 3
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GUIDELINES FOR BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO LIFE
7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble;
9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing. – 1 Peter 3:7-9
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In the following passages from the letter of Peter to the believers, he gives a mandate to the husbands about how to treat their wives. In verse 7, he advises the husbands how to conduct themselves in their marriages. Peter tells the men to show consideration and understanding to their wives because they are weaker than them. An interesting part of Peter’s instruction is to ensure that they have no biases or discrimination with their spouse because they are fellow heirs of the grace of life. Though, they have the authority over their wife, they must treat them kindly, patiently and honor them as equal partners in the kingdom of God. All of these guidelines, if followed lead them to answered prayers. In other words, those who will maltreat their wives will be hindered in their prayers.
In addition to all of the directives to the husband, Peter sums up how believers must conduct themselves in their lives. He teaches them the following important guidelines that believers must apply in their lives so they can be witnesses to the gospel both to other believers and non-believers.
Here are the following guidelines to bring the gospel to life:
1. Live in harmony with one another – unity in the body of Christ is imperative in God’s kingdom
2. Be sympathetic- be able to show your feelings or concerns for others
3. Be loving- be able to show acceptance to others no matter how different they are
4. Be compassionate-be able to put yourself in the shoes of others who are suffering
5. Be humble- think highly of others instead of oneself
6. Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult-do not take justice into your hands but let God vindicate you
7. Give a blessing instead of vengeance-means that you don’t take offense but pray for those who actually hurt you.
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REFLECTION
• Why did Peter give directives to believers in order to bring the gospel to others?