Be Like Minded

Date: June 29, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

B - Bible Verse: "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8

L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Lord, as I reflect on this verse, open my heart to hear Your message. Help me understand what it means to be like-minded, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble towards others. Guide me in living out these qualities in my daily interactions. Amen.

E - Explore the History and Meaning: The book of 1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter to encourage and strengthen the early Christian believers who were facing persecution and trials. In this particular verse, Peter addresses the believers, urging them to exhibit unity and love among themselves.  He emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the community of believers. He encourages them to have a shared mindset, showing sympathy and compassion towards one another. The call to be humble reminds them to have a modest and selfless attitude, considering others as more important than themselves.

S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: 

Like-minded: This means having a shared perspective and agreement on matters of faith and purpose.

Sympathetic: It entails showing understanding, compassion, and empathy towards others, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

Love one another: This highlights the commandment to love fellow believers genuinely and selflessly.

Compassionate and humble: These qualities involve having a heart that is tender, caring, and willing to serve others with a modest and humble attitude.

S - Summarize and Share:

Peter's words here remind us of the importance of unity and love within our Christian community. It's a gentle nudge to support and care for one another, just like good friends do.

You know, being like-minded doesn't mean we have to agree on everything. It's more about having a shared understanding of our faith and purpose. It's about finding common ground and standing together in our beliefs, even if we have different perspectives on some things.

And when Peter talks about being sympathetic, he's calling us to put ourselves in each other's shoes. It's like being that friend who listens and understands, celebrating the joys and comforting in the sorrows. It's a way of connecting deeply with one another and fostering a sense of belonging.

But don’t forget the core of it all: love. Love is the heartbeat of our faith. Peter encourages us to genuinely and selflessly love one another. It's a love that goes beyond words, expressed through acts of kindness, support, and sacrificial service. It's the kind of love that Jesus showed us and calls us to match.

And when it comes to compassion and humility, they go hand in hand. Compassion opens our hearts to the needs of others, allowing us to respond with kindness and care. And humility keeps us grounded, reminding us that we are all equal in God's eyes and that serving others is a true mark of greatness.

As we go about our daily lives, let's put these qualities into action. Let's strive to be like-minded, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble in our interactions. Whether it's with our fellow believers or the people we meet along the way, let's choose to be a shining example of Christ's love.

Bible Cross References

Romans 12:16 "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."

Philippians 2:3-4  "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

1 John 4:7-8 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."