To sum up, all of you be harmonious,
sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning
evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you
were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter
3:8-9
The People are Humble and
Forgiving
Real humility is found in honest awareness of who we really
are in relation to God and others. Paul
encouraged the Philippians to Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with
humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal
interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-8
God’s people should be humble. The very nature of Christ in us is that of a
servant who has given up all rights and position for the privilege of serving
the Master and His purpose. In a world
focused on individual rights and privileges, it is the Christian who stands out
serving others in a spirit of humility.
It is also humility that opens our lives for receiving ministry
"from" others, as well as giving
"to" others. Many are willing to give but have a hard
problem receiving. Their pride blocks
the provision of God through others and creates a wedge between themselves and
others who want the joy of giving. We are never above need and therefore never
above receiving in humility and gratitude for God’s provision through His
people.
It is the spirit of humility that makes possible the next
attribute of a quality fellowship...not returning evil for evil or insult for
insult, but giving a blessing instead. This is certainly something that Jesus spoke
of repeatedly in teaching His disciples.
It was not just what Christ taught but what He exampled. Look at these words from 1 Peter 2:21-24. This is the kind of life you've been invited
into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way
so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it,
step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. They
called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in
silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry
our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way.
His wounds became your healing.
In the church, the act of forgiveness is the evidence of
God’s grace, mercy and love in the lives of believers. It flows from the hearts of a people who have
experienced the fullness of God’s gift of salvation and humbled themselves to
the purpose and ministry of Christ.
Christ’s words from the cross are the pinnacle of living out
forgiveness. But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive
them; for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34 In
the face of His accusers and even torturers He made a decision; He would
forgive and ask His Father to do the same.
Why would a believer seek these qualities in his/her
life? Peter clearly states, for you were
called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. Why?
To be blessed.
May God bless you today by making you a blessing. May God place you in a fellowship of
believers who value these qualities and seek to live them out in a community of
faith.
Scripture to Claim
But I say to you who hear, love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who
mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28
