In 1 Peter 3:8-9 we are told, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
Statements like this are there in black and white, ink on paper all throughout the scripture. We read them, understand them, and then we say, “nah.” We agree that things would be better if we could have unity of mind. But what we mean is “things would be better is everyone else was unified with MY mind.” We never want to take the risk of seeing things from someone else’s perspective. Many people you know can’t even entertain the hypothetical that they might be wrong about anything.
It's a hard place to live when our only focus is getting even. All the more so when it means repaying evil for evil. I was hurt, therefore someone else should hurt. This is not the life God ever called you to live—especially not a life you lived “in the name of Christ.” Jesus himself tells us in John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
So, what do we do? We fight! We fight our baser instincts to lash out. We fight the cynicism of thinking the people around us are a lost cause. We fight tooth and nail to show love to people who don’t deserve it.
Peter encourages us to keep our focus on doing good, 1 Peter 3:13-15, “13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
Is your hope so obvious that people ask you about it?