UpperLoft Meditation – 12/29

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. – 1 Peter 3:8-9

This is a week of summary statements when we reflect on this past year and prepare to enter 2010. This passage came to mind for today’s reflection. Peter is exhorting believers in their relationship with one another.

The Message offers a paraphrase that clearly makes the point:

“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless – that’s your job, to bless.”

Our task as followers of Jesus is to be a blessing to others. All of us are to work towards that end. Our problem is that often we steal the blessings by our actions or lack of action. Peter cites five areas we need to give our attention to so as not to inhibit the blessing we are to be to others:

• Harmony – Freedom from disputes. A sympathetic understanding of the opinions and actions of others.
• Sympathy – Sharing the feelings of others, especially feelings of sorrow or anguish.
• Brotherly Love – Caring for one another because you are family.
• Compassion – Understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it.
• Humility – To be humble with a lack of false pride.

As you prepare to make your New Year’s resolutions, look closely at ways in which you can bring the blessings of Christ to others. Is there some repair work you need to do in your relationships? A good starting point is to examine how God has blessed you, in spite of all the problems you may have had, in this past year.

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