“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9.

I once heard a saying that goes “What other people say about you is none of your business!” Just think about it, when we get caught up in the conversations that others have about us, especially the negative things that can so cruelly hinder our progress to living a godly life…we release our peace of mind to the attacker and give them a small victory.

Scripture teaches us to walk contrary to evil and do good…living in peace, unity and love with all men as much as possible “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9.

God promises to bless us when we follow His command to love thy neighbor as thyself. The apostle Peter gives clear guidance on the blessings that we stand to inherit when we seek to do good and shun evil 1 Peter 10-12 states: “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”

So, the next time someone “leaks” something negative about you; rejoice in the fact that you are a beloved child of God. They talked about our Savior. so we are in good company!  Jesus stated “The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” Matthew 11:19.  He makes the point that wisdom is not about a standard, legalistic approach to life, but loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving other people as ourselves.

My friends, choose this day to walk in love and do good, the opposition will always seek to unrattled our hope, peace, and trust in the Lord. But we have the victory in and through it all “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:44-45.

And finally, let us keep out eyes on the author and finisher of our faith, lover and keeper of our souls…Jesus! Love covered us all one Friday afternoon on that old rugged cross and washed away all of our sins . . . “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8.

God’s amazing grace and peace be with you all.