Peter says "Finally" - here Peter was summing up a series of exhortations concerning submission; Then he says, "all of you" - he is addressing all, whether masters or servants, husbands or wives, the entire body of believers, and then notice he exhorts them in six areas:
- to be of one mind
- having compassion for one another
- love as brothers
- be tenderhearted (KJV says be pitiful)
- be courteous
- do not retaliate, but bless those who do evil against you
My friend, as believers we are to live in harmony as of one mind. When the world looks at us they should see a spirit of oneness, They should see us standing together through thick and thin regardless of circumstances happening around us. We should not be out there arguing, bickering, and gossiping causing dissension. When we are putting each other down, gossiping about one another what example does that leave? It certainly is not honoring to God. Yes, we all have different personalities, different ways of handling things, different God-given gifts but together we are whole; together we make up the body of the Christ. A physical body is made up of many parts, you have hands, eyes, feet, internal organs, etc. but together it functions in harmony, and it needs each part just like the body of Christ. Peter here is reminding us that we are united together that we must seek to honor God in everything that we do; being of one mind, working together for the common goal of spreading the gospel, and winning the lost to the Lord.
Romans 12:16 "Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."
Romans 15:5 "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus"
We are to be of one mind - to be like-minded; keeping our focus on Christ, giving Him honor and glory through our conduct that those around us will be drawn to Christ.
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