“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” I Peter 3:8 NLT
For me, having a pet means striving to be at one understanding with him. Because I desire our coexistence to be harmonious, I work to know his needs before he does. The commands I give are more for his benefit than for my pleasure. And should he need my assistance, he is pretty handy at getting my attention.
This could not happen if I did not elect to sympathize with his being and energize my efforts with the love I feel for him. I know his response and cooperation with me is mostly instinctive, but in those instincts I believe he knows my well-being affects his outcome.
For people who cannot sympathize with others the world will always seem to be against them. They can easily be motivated by fear because they forget the history of God’s love for his people and the cycle of human war and revolt. These words from Peter are the key to a world at rest and peace. They are as timely now as ever.
Teach me to listen and to hear. Melt my heart of stone and teach me to forgive those who are blind.
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