READ: 1 Peter 3:8-12
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
KEY THOUGHT:
Relationships come with responsibilities. Friendships require friendliness. Best friendships require faithfulness. Families require love and compassion. Common courtesy, grace, patience and goodness are responsibilities shared in relationships. Each member in a relationship should love like Christ loved and help build up one another in goodness in such a way that it would honor Christ. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” This means that you have a responsibility to your friends and family relationships to help them look good, both on the outside and the inside.
CONSIDER:
- What’s the difference between a positive relationship and a negative relationship?
- Have you ever had a friend or family member that weighed you down rather than lifted you up? How did that make you feel? Have you ever been a weight to someone else?
- What are some of your responsibilities to your friends and family? Are you fulfilling your relationship responsibilities?
APPLICATION:
Be sincere and consistent in your responsibilities to others.
