5 Key Elements for Christians: Look at 1 Peter 3:8-9

(8)Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving each other with tender hearts and humble minds. (9) Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing.  That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.  (1 Peter 3:8-9) 


Here, Peter list 5 key elements for Christians

1. One Mind:  Pursue the same goal (to live a life according to God's instructions)
2. Sympathy:  When others need you, be responsive to those needs they same way God is. 
3. Love:  Treat all people like they are loved brothers and sisters and love them as God loves you. 
4. Tenderness:  Be understanding and sensitive/caring to others as God is caring and sensitive to you. 
5. Humility:  Be willing to encourage each other and be happy for others success.  

Peter was a very impulsive and strong willed person (examples of his impulsiveness can be found in Mark 8:31-33 and John 13:6-9) 

When Jesus predicted his death (Mark 8:31-33) Peter pulled him aside and said he should not be saying such things.  Jesus then scolded Peter comparing him to Satan and explained to Peter this was God's word and in asking Jesus not to say anything was denying God's word.  

• Peter was reacting to Jesus how a human would when saying such things.  Jesus was upset as he wanted his followers to follow Gods word as God would and not as a human.  This should be any follower of Christ's ultimate goal to achieve.  
• Here I believe is an everyday battle for Christians.  Should I or should I not say something when I witness something going against God's word.  Of course you say something as this is the same as denying God.  

Peter also showed his human tendency to be stubborn when Jesus was wanting to wash his feet (John 13:6-9)   Peter reacted strongly against this as he did not understand somebody he called teacher and master wanting to act as a servant to him.  

• Jesus himself acting as a servant was laying the foundation of Gods word by example.  By washing the feet of his disciples, he was showing that nobody is above Gods wish for everyone to serve one another and those that do humble themselves to be servants will be blessed.  
• Here, Peter was again thinking like a human and not as God would.  

The Revenge Factor in Life

Revenge was also a major topic of 1 Peter 3:8-9.  Jesus taught that revenge is unacceptable.  When we feel we are done wrong by somebody, we should instead pray for that person and wish blessings upon them.  Revenge is equally against God's plan for us just as the initial act that caused you to be insulted is (EVIL for EVIL).  

• Instead of acting out in anger against another person, God wants us to instead pray for that person.  In doing so we are acting in accordance to Gods word and we ourselves will be blessed.