1 Peter 3:8-12

Pray for all people, not just family and friends, that they will come to the peace that can only be found in Jesus.

Fear tells you "I'll make you safe." Love says, "You are safe.”

Along the way we come to learn that what makes us vulnerable also makes us beautiful. Yes, vulnerability can be that place of shame and fear and our struggle for worthiness, but it appears that it's also the birthplace of joy, and creativity, of belonging, of love. Terry Hershey “SabbathMoments “

Have your fumbles and stumbles left you questioning your place in God’s plan? If so, let this story remind you that Christ is not finished with you either. Jesus went on a search-and-rescue mission for Peter, and he will do the same for you. Max Lucado

1 Peter 3:8-12

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Peter calls his readers to inherit a blessing through unity, love, and upright conduct, and to repay evil with good. 

Peter quotes Psalm 34:12–16 to emphasize his point that believers are called to be a blessing to the world. The larger context seems to indicate that believers are meant to live the words of this psalm through their long-suffering, so that the evil of the world may be gradually changed. Faithlife Study Bible

Peter encourages Christians to act like the Lord Jesus. He endured suffering and ridicule in silence, entrusting His just cause to the ultimate Judge. Peter emphasizes the contrast between our natural tendency as human beings, to get even when we are offended, with the way we should act as believers: returning good to those who hurt us. Christ will reward us for any suffering we endure in His name. Peter uses the imagery of eyes and ears to remind his readers that God knows everything about believers, especially their suffering, and that He listens and responds to their cries for help.  In direct contrast to God’s all-knowing and all-caring interest in His children who serve Him, He is diametrically opposed to those who do not follow His path of righteousness. The NKJV Study Bible

Though Christians cannot always be exactly of the same mind, yet they should have compassion one of another, and love as brethren. If any man desires to live comfortably on earth, or to possess eternal life in heaven, he must bridle his tongue from wicked, abusive, or deceitful words. He must forsake and keep far from evil actions, do all the good he can, and seek peace with all men. For God, all-wise and every where present, watches over the righteous, and takes care of them. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Psalm 34:12 Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?

Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.

Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.