After giving specific admonitions first to wives then husbands in 1 Peter 3, Peter continues with more general admonitions which apply to us all: “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9).
These admonitions are summed up on the call of all Christians to love one another. In this both Peter and John are in agreement, “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:10-11).
The Greek word philadelphos is the word that Peter uses. This indicates a very strong affection that we are to have toward one another as disciples. As we note the preeminent importance of our spiritual relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ, and our common goals and ethics, the fact we are part of a spiritual family leads us to love.
Interestingly, John uses a different word translated love in his text – agapa?. Our affection for one another does not fully describe our relationship. Such affection is to lead us to be altruistic toward each other, seeking ultimately the greatest benefit and provision to each other.
Together these two words aptly describe our relationship, leading to Peter’s instructions that we ought to be compassionate, tenderhearted and courteous, blessing each other with our conversation and conduct. This is what it truly means to “love as brothers.”
Interestingly, Peter indicates that such action on our part will be rewarded with the inheritance of a “blessing.” As Peter quotes from Psalm 34:15, he writes, “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12).
Those who “turn away from evil and do good” (11) are described as those disciples who are called to inherit the blessing. It is not surprising that such language is used. God sets the parameters of reception. He has clearly called all through the gospel (cf. Mark 16:15), but not all correctly respond to receive the blessing (cf. Mark 16:16). Here, Peter is writing to other Christians. He calls them to faithfulness, and describes behavior that brings that blessing. To reject faithfulness is to reject God’s gift. May it not be so!
