Finding Favor in God's Eyes

I need to be reminded daily about having love and compassion for others it’s easy to just get into a groove living life and forget that God has called us to some pretty amazing character traits that we need to share with our Brothers and sisters in Christ. I love it when God just lays things out in his word in a list format. He just comes out and says, here’s what I want you to do. Similar, to when he gave the Israelites the Commandments. Just a good ole, simple, list.

We:

Maybe you felt this way too. God please just cut through all the guesswork and give me a simple list. God teaches us that there is a way we can Live that will render unto us great blessing. I don’t know about you but this is something I want to know all about. Living with God’s hand of blessing on my life is a place I always want to be and I’m sure each of you sitting here feel the same way. Of course there are many places we can turn in God’s word for instruction on how to live for his blessing. But this morning, I’d like to focus On a passage in first Peter chapter No. 3. Here God gives us a simple list and a promise that we can find blessing if we will follow these instructions!

God:

(KJV 1900)

8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 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:

10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12For 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.

12 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.

Have you ever felt like people just were not on the same page at church? Something about that, just seems wrong doesn’t it? How can a body of Christ move forward when it’s in disagreement with itself?

all of one mind vs. 8 - If we are in disagreement, then we need to find a way to come together in agreement. Period. Some say, well, it’s fine if we don’t see eye to eye on many things as long as we agree on the big things it’ll all work out, but that’s not the way things work in a close family, right? It’s always the “little” things that seem to drive the deepest wedges between our relationships. Find a way to come together. God’s Word is clear enough that we should be in lock step with each other on most everything. His principals for living to not change to accommodate our unique personalities.

having compassion one of another vs. 8 - this means being sympathetic of others, sharing the feelings of others, understanding that seeing eye to eye on things takes time as we mature in the faith.

all of one mind -

love as brethren vs. 8 - thinking of our spiritual family exactly like our natural family. Will you take for your siblings?

be pitiful vs. 8 - or “tender hearted, also merciful, withholding deserved punishment or judgement.

(KJV 1900)

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

be courteous vs. 8 - simply to be humble, having your authority or power under control and allowing others to shine before you.

render blessing for evil vs. 9 - don’t stoop down to the same level as those who treat you wrong, instead bless them! God see’s your obedience and will give you His blessing!

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 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:

speak no guile vs 10 - if it’s not “NTK”, necessary, true and kind, don’t say it. Following this principal comes with the promise that you will “enjoy” life and have many happy days!

eschew evil, and do good vs 11 - turn away from evil, it’s your choice! What’s the best way to turn from evil? By doing good! You have to fill you time with something, why not good?

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

seek peace, and ensue it vs 11 - always look for the peaceful path and try hard to keep it that way!

12 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.

eyes over, ears open vs 12 - the Lord’s eyes and ears are attentive to the righteous