We’re continuing through the epistle of 1 Peter. Currently, we’re talking about our relationships in the body of Christ. In my last post, Peter explained the “together mindset.”
It’s an important teaching, but how does this work in practice?
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 3:9 NIV
Here we’re told not to give back evil or insult for insult. Instead, we’re told to speak well about these people. This is very difficult to accomplish in the middle of a conflict. That’s why we need to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
According to Peter, we can make this easier by learning one simple truth. He says that we know by experience that we’re called to inherit a blessing. In that case, what does it matter if you’re cursed by someone, if you know you’re getting a blessing anyway?
In the next direction Peter shows that he’s a realist…and so is God.
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.”
1 Peter 3:10 NIV
The fact is that we all want to love life and see good times. Unfortunately, there are many who get this idea that God is against good times. But that’s absolutely untrue. God wants the best for us.
This found throughout Scripture.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17 NIV
Peter tells you how to reach this goal without any regret. He literally tells us to put our tongue on pause from off of evil. He also tells us not to let your lips speak trickery. How many times has one wrong word ruined the whole day for you and others?
One thing is very clear from the Word. Jesus said, in Luke 6:45, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” So, if you fill your heart with the Word, you’ll have more good times.
Peter continues with this thought.
“He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”
1 Peter 3:11 NIV
Peter advises us to turn from, shun trouble. Our problem is that usually we don’t turn from it. We keep watch over it and rehearse it in our hearts. That causes it to grow and take over our lives.
Instead of looking for the problems, we must seek and pursue peace. We can only do all this if we know God’s direction. The only way to know where God is leading us to is to spend time in His presence.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
1 Peter 3:12 NIV
This is a wonderful promise for those who cultivate this “together mindset.” In my next post, I’ll talk about it in more detail.
Question: How well are you cultivating this together mindset?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 