A Loving Good-bye

 

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another”

—1 Peter 3:8a

As is often the case, the title of an old country music love song virtually tells the story conveyed by the song: “It’s the Way You Say Good-bye That Makes Me Love You.”

This sentiment rings true when we read the New Testament letters that the various Apostles sent to the people whose faith they were actively nurturing.

A good example are these words of the Apostle Peter from 1 Peter 3:8-9:

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.

These magnificent words must have struck chords of encouragement in the hearts of the believers when they were read aloud in the house church meetings nearly two centuries ago.

God intended these words for us, as well. That’s why He has preserved them for us down through the years.

Let us hold these words in our hearts today and be truly thankful that Peter’s love for the believers—believers like us—shines through.

 

_{Copyright © 2015 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

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