Read 1 Peter 3:10-12
Discover
1. What instructions are given in these verses in regard to spoken words?
2. What instructions are given in regard to peace?
3. What is the result of doing these things?
Respond
In his letter to exiled Christians, Peter laid out eight defining characteristics of Christ followers that set them apart in a hostile world. The first way they could make a difference was by searching for peace and working to maintain it. The external pressures they were facing presented challenges to their relationships internally with each other. Peter wanted them to resist the pull toward conflict.
In our own lives, it’s easy to let external pressures impact our relationships too. Peter’s encouragement to speak truthfully and kindly, to search for peace, and work to maintain it apply to us today. Peace doesn’t mean the absence of conflict but being able to respond in a way that doesn’t breed more of it.
Do you search for this type of peace and work to maintain it? Where have you let your words or actions drum up conflict rather than diffusing it? Confess anything to God that comes to mind, and thank Him for being the perfect model of peace. Write down one thing you can do today to be a peace maker.
Want to go deeper? Read this article for a breakdown of what it means to pursue peace and what else the Bible has to say about it.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all “Want to go deeper” sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.