'Like-Minded'

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."

I Peter 3:8

 

 

 

So how do we become 'like-minded'?

That is the Epistle's admonition to us, after all.

Let me offer a suggestion:

"...be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."

The answer to the question is found in the rest of the verse.

Do any of those characteristics sound familiar?

Can you think of any one in particular who may have exemplified them in His life?

Of course, Jesus did!

The like-mindedness spoken of is to be found through our oneness in Christ.

As we dwell in Him, as we abide in Him, as we 'put on Christ'; the fruit of His Spirit is cultivated in each of our lives.

Do you come up short in loving others?

Don't try to 'figure out' how to love more per se, instead draw near to the God of love.

Struggling in areas of compassion or humility?

Don't develop a 12 step plan to become more compassionate or humble.

Instead, speaking figuratively, take 12 steps closer to the God of compassion and humility.

There's something that happens in us when we draw near to Him.

Then when we stay in His presence those things in Him become more and more evident in our own lives.

I may not always agree with others who love the Lord on every point of doctrine.

But what I find is that as I remain close to Him I feel it less necessary to 'defend a doctrine' and more important to humbly extend compassion and love to others and to the family of God in particular.