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
