Live in Unity – Week 16 Devotional

Live in Unity – Week 16

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

Have you noticed that being divided as people is becoming normalized? Fighting over things we don’t agree on or hurting people’s feelings by talking badly about someone has become so common. Sometimes these things can even make you seem “cooler” or better than someone else. But did you know that this isn’t supposed to be normal or cool? One phrase you may have heard is “rage bait.” It’s when someone says or does something just to make other people upset or annoyed (I am definitely guilty of this!). Sometimes people think it’s funny, but when we stop and think about it, it’s actually hurtful and can divide people instead of bringing them together.

I believe this verse in 1 Peter is all about unity, loving each other, being on the same team, and not being so quick to anger that we end up hurting others or constantly fighting. One part I especially love is where it tells us to sympathize with each other. We can apply this by not being so quick to assume someone is just being rude. Instead of thinking, “They’re being mean, so I’m going to be mean back,” we can stop and think, “I wonder why they’re acting this way. I hope everything is okay at home.” Sometimes a little compassion can completely change how we respond. Instead of being rude, choose kindness.

The verse also emphasizes having a humble attitude. Not everything has to be about me, me, me. At school, living with humility could look like not bragging about the things you have that someone else doesn’t. Maybe it looks like being first in line but choosing not to make a big deal about it or even letting the person behind you go first.

Living in unity can look different in all kinds of situations, but it always starts with you. So, how are you going to live in unity this week?

From Kaity