Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 FAMILY -  AN EXPRESSION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

1 Peter 3:7-14

 Vs 14:But even if you  should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.     

 Apostle Peter in chapter 3  of  this passage, authoritatively addressing the readers of God's instruction concerning husband -wife relationships. Like every believer is expected to be submissive to the power, wives  are expected to be submisssive to their husbands, which is necessary for the orderly operation of the home.  The greek word used to describe  submission to the authority of government  is used here, in explaining  wife-husband relationship.  Submisssion is not  to be interpreted as inferiority  of the weaker sex.  In continuing the subject in verse 7, it is reminded that women experience the saving grace of God on equal terms with men, and for that matter, spiritual  fellowship with God and one another may be hindered by disregarding the God's instruction in maintaining proper husband-wife relationships.
            It is important and vital that the husband makes his wife a priority, not a project. God commanded men to love their wives  as their bodies as noted in ephesians 5:28 and that a man who shows love for his wife loves himself. It is also an admonition by Apostle that Christian husbands are not to domineer or intimidate their wives, instead to treat them with consideration,  respect and honor.   After this discourse on husband -wife relationships, Peter continued to say  that it is also important  to have unity among God's people. For that matter, everyone should sing to the same tune and stay n harmony :- having compassion, tenderhearted, and courteous to one another. We love one another not only for the sake of Jesus or whose body we are members, but it is for our own sake – by blessing those who wronged us – we will inherit a blessing. 
           In vs:11-13, Peter introduced a quotation from Psalm 34 (12-16). He uses this quotation   for giving reasons for obeying exhortation from God. 1. those who do such things will find life gratifying, 2. their days will be good, 3.God's eyes will be on them to bless, 4. God's ears will be ready to hear their prayer.    To conclude the meditation  from this passage, Apostle in v14 said, “ doing good is often  difficult, evil is rewarded immediately, reward for doing good is often delayed. But rewards for doing good is far  more secure and better than doing evil. Suffering for righteous is a remote possibility, but if does occur, it brings special blessing to the sufferer. Amen.

Prayer
 Lord, we pray that you grant your wisdom to follow your instructions and  admonitions  in maintaining our family relationships and with one another in general. Especially so, in forgiving the people who wronged to us . Bless us  and hear our prayers. Amen.

Thought for the Day

 Natural response to the hostility is retaliation. But the loving response of  dedicated Christians to love their enemies, can break the cycle of retaliation.
Dr.John K.Thomas   Tabor MTC Staten island
                   

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