"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

1 Peter 4:8-9

Small turns of phrase often reveal a great deal upon closer examination. Verse 8 prioritizes the unity of spirit (the quality of being ‘like-minded’), whereas humility is at the end of this list. Contrary to the hyper-individual culture of today, God cares about unity and a harmonious, open attitude toward others in the body of Christ. This is characterized more by sympathy and warm-heartedness than by conforming to a creed or doctrine. Such an attitude can only come from those who have undergone an inner transformation that allows them to see others as more important than themselves, an attitude Paul also emphasizes (Phil 2:3).

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to gladly follow where you lead me and to represent you in ways that show others who you are and draw them to you (edited from Encounter with God).