So this morning, 1 Peter chapter 3, we're making our way verse by verse through this epistle

of the Apostle Peter, and our text is going to be verses 8 through 12. And if you're able, I'll ask you to stand.

You can follow along as I read, if not where you're seated is fine. The Apostle Peter, this is an interesting passage of Scripture

because it's kind of a staccato exhortation, just rapid fire exhortation starting in verse 8.

He says, finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another. Be sympathetic. Love as brothers. Be compassionate

and humble. Do not, verse 9, repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing. Because to this,

you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, verse 10, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good. He must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the

righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against

those who do evil.

Let's pray if you would please join with me.

We'll ask God's blessing on our understanding.

Loving Heavenly Father, we're so grateful to you for your word and this portion that we

have before us today here in your word. But we're also keenly aware that

unless the Holy Spirit is our teacher and our guide, we're not going to get it. We're not

going to have ears to hear and eyes to see what it is that you desire to speak into our lives

and show us that's here in your word today. Lord, particularly this particular passage is

of profound significance and it speaks to right where we're at in this day in which

we live. So Lord, I pray that there wouldn't be any distractions that would

cause our minds to wander, that we would give you our undivided attention

to take and tackle this delicate and tough and touchy topic.

So Lord, thank you, as only you can and always do.

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