1 Peter 3:8-12 TPT

“Now, this is the goal: to live in harmony with one another and demonstrate affectionate love, sympathy, and kindness toward other believers. Let humility describe who you are as you dearly love one another. Never retaliate when someone treats you wrongly, nor insult those who insult you, but instead, respond by speaking a blessing over them—because a blessing is what God promised to give you. For the Scriptures tell us: Whoever wants to embrace true life and find beauty in each day must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what they say. Always turn from what is wrong and cultivate what is good; eagerly pursue peace in every relationship, making it your prize. For the eyes of the Lord Yahweh rest upon the godly, and His heart responds to their prayers. But He turns His back on those who practice evil.”

Peter is very clear in this scripture. God responds to the heart of the godly and will turn His back on those who practice evil.

What are we being directed to do?

1. Live in harmony.

2 Corinthians 13:11 TPT, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”

2. Demonstrate affectionate love, sympathy, and kindness towards other believers.

Ephesians 4:1-3 TPT, “As a prisoner of the Lord, I plead with you to walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling. With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace, being one body and one spirit, as you were all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny.”

3. Be defined by humility.

Philippians 2:3-4 TPT, “Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.”

4. Never retaliate when you are treated wrongly, nor insult those who insult you. Instead, speak blessings over them.

James 4:11 TPT, “Dear friends, as part of God’s family, never speak against another family member, for when you slander a brother or sister you violate God’s law of love. And your duty is not to make yourself a judge of the law of love by saying that it doesn’t apply to you, but your duty is to obey it!”

5. Stop speaking evil, hurtful words, and never deceive in what you say.

Ephesians 4:29, “And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.”

6. Turn away from all that is wrong and cultivate what is good.

Proverbs 3:7 TPT, “Don’t think for a moment that you know it all,

for wisdom comes when you adore Him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong.”

7. Pursue peace in every relationship.

Romans 12:11-18 TPT, Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all. Never hold a grudge or try to get even but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others. Do your best to live as everybody’s friend.

When we speak out against another believer, we act out of disobedience towards God. Not only are we being disobedient, we become a tool in the hands of the enemy to spread strife and discord.

To the one who listens to the slander or derogatory words and takes on the offense of the slanderer, you are also at fault. Taking up an offense that does not belong to you also causes you to stumble. Your heart becomes tainted towards the person being spoken of. God is not pleased.

Rumors, gossip, backbiting, and belittlement are described as evil. God is not pleased with the person who practices such things.

Ephesians 4:29 TPT

“And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.”

We will be held accountable for the words we speak. Be careful that your words are filled with life.

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. If you have stored up strife, bitterness, and unforgiveness, it will come out in your words and actions.

Matthew 12:35-37

“When virtue is stored within, the hearts of good, upright people will produce good fruit. But when evil is hidden within, those who are evil will produce evil fruit. You can be sure of this: when the day of judgment comes, everyone will be held accountable for every careless word he has spoken. Your very words will be used as evidence, and your words will declare you either innocent or guilty.”

When we feel that someone else has wronged us, God directs us to speak a blessing over them. May the words we speak be sweet in their aroma!

The good news is that you can repent and allow God to change your heart, which will change your behavior.

Psalm 139:23-24 TPT

“God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way—the path that brings me back to you.”