Thoughts-I Peter-Healthy interpersonal relationships
As a matured and experienced Christian, Peter understood the need for healthy interpersonal relationships; we are advised by him to
1) Love one another deeply (1:22; 3:8; 2:17; 4:8)
We are expected to love deeply from the heart. Our purification has to inspire and motivate us to love others. It is worthy to remind ourselves that we are commanded by Jesus Christ to love God and love our neighbors.
2) Submit to authority (2:3; 3:1; 5:5)
As Christian we are advised to submit to every authority instituted-national, social, secular, family, hierarchical etc. We ought to be submissive to others as we submit to God.
3) Respect and honour others (2:17; 3:7)
We have to give proper respect to everyone irrespective of caste, creed, colour and social status and should not fail to extend gratitude and honour to those who deserves it. We should not look down on others because of their shortcomings, failures, etc
4) Live in harmony with one another ( 3:18)
Christians are expected to be promoters of peace, harmony etc. We need to lead by example in times of conflicts and contradictions. The type of love expressed in Bible is loving even the enemies and those doing harm to us. When our dear and near ones go through times of pain and suffering, we would have to empathize and sympathize with them
5) Do not retaliate (3:9)
The heart of retaliation is normal and common but we need to reflect the character of God, who does not punish us when we fail to live according to His expectations. He wants us to be doers of good even to those who harm us.
6) Offer hospitality (4:9)
It refers to friendly and generous behavior towards visitors and guests. Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining. Hospitality focuses on guest and their needs – place, food, listening to them etc.
