1 Peter 3:8,9

Scripture:

1 Peter 3:8,9 “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.” (NASB)

Observation:

2+2=4. I remember learning math back in elementary school. Learning the meaning of the word “sum.” It was the total amount of adding things together. Funny how you remember things from way back when. I couldn’t help but think how Peter, the writer of today’s verse, uses the word “sum” in referring to how we are to be when we are added together – harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit. Just imagine if we truly were all those things. Sometimes families can drive us crazy, but if we are to sum up our life, including family, we need to be the total amount of adding all things together in a harmonious way. Think of your church, are we sympathetic, brotherly, and kindhearted with all the people who attend? Not just the ones we agree with either. To “sum” up, what are we doing to add to the total amount of our families, our churches, our communities? Something to think about as we add another day to our lives. 

Application:

• Personal Application: Continue spending time with the Lord daily. Sow righteousness and reap the fruit of God's unfailing love. 
• Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we must continue to spend time with the Lord and keep our hearts focused on His plans and purposes. Pray for them.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.