We Have Been Called To Never Be Evil

Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble). Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God—that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection]. For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). 1 Peter 3:8-10

As you consider these verses in 1 Peter I want you to remember this verse.

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. John 15:5

The Truth that sets us free is that without Jesus we cannot even begin to live the way that the Holy Spirit had Peter write that we should. Our peace is that Jesus alone must cause us to love each other, John 17:26. He must sanctify us, Hebrews 2:11. He must be greater in us then anything that is in this world. Jesus must Shepherd us as He leads us in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake, Psalm 23:3. The burden of our success is on solely on Him, exactly where it should be, because if we had to do it on our own, we would fail. If it were up to us to control our tongues we would boast when we succeeded, which would be a failure, and we could condemn ourselves when we failed.

Thank God that we do not have to fret about any of this. Our joy is that we are never left alone to do anything on our own. We are permanently united with Jesus and He is our guarantee of success. He will do whatever it takes to insure that we have life and that we have it more abundantly, John 10:10. So He will cause our hearts to be filled with His Love and because they are, our mouths will speak in the way that is needed to have all of the blessings of our Father, Luke 6:45.