Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Bless One Another

Bryan Schneider · December 7, 2024

1 Peter 3:8-12

sharonrpc.org/sermons/bless-one-another

Summary

Christians are called to harmony, compassion, brotherly love, tenderheartedness, and humility in every relationship.
Instead of returning evil for evil or insult for insult, believers break the cycle of anger by speaking and seeking God's good for the person who wronged them.
Non-retaliation does not excuse sin or eliminate confrontation; it frees Christians to confront truthfully with love, patience, humility, and a desire for restoration.
Believers must restrain evil and deceitful speech, turn from evil, actively do good, and pursue peace rather than merely waiting for conflict to disappear.
God sees the righteous, hears their prayers, and judges evil, so Christians can entrust vengeance to him instead of demanding retribution on their own terms.
Jesus is the model and source of this life: when reviled he did not revile in return, but entrusted himself to the righteous Judge and blessed his enemies.

Which of Peter's five qualities (harmony, compassion, brotherly love, tenderness, or humility) is weakest in my relationships?
Who am I tempted to hurt because that person first hurt or insulted me?
What would it mean to seek God's good for that person without excusing the wrong?
Am I avoiding a needed loving confrontation and allowing bitterness or division to grow?
Do I want restoration when I confront, or do I want revenge and vindication?
How has my speech escalated a conflict through accusation, gossip, deceit, or reactive words?
Can I entrust final justice to God while pursuing peace, truth, and appropriate protection now?

Harmony: Different believers directing their lives toward the same goal in Christ without demanding identical preferences or personalities.
Compassion: Entering another person's joy or suffering with a heart that is moved to care and act.
Brotherly love: Family-like affection and loyalty among believers that gives shape to sympathy, humility, and service.
Non-retaliation: Refusing personal vengeance and the exchange of hurt for hurt while still pursuing truth, safety, and justice in godly ways.
Blessing: Speaking and seeking God's true good for another person, including prayer, forgiveness, and loving correction.
Reconciliation: The restoration of peace and relationship through truth, repentance, forgiveness, and wisdom.