Heralds Digest

  “ Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God .” I Peter 3 : 3 - 4 NKJV Beauty contests are judged on the basis of outward adornment. Even those who are naturally endowed with beauty are assessed by what people can see, given a strong backing for the promotion of cosmetics, fashion designs, and jewelry. Unfortunately, these admirable adornments fade away easily and often cannot stand the test of tough times, complex conspiracies and fraudulent fights. For example, when the chips are down in times of financial stress, emotional distress, security threats, and relational discomfort, beautiful faces with arranged hair, attractive jewelry, and beautiful apparel are readily disconfigured with long faces, harsh tones, and explosive fists. Whereas, unlike most admirable ado...

  “ 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 .” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The basis of love in all relationships is the spreading of benefits. Whether through material, social, political, or emotions, even givers expect to check their paybacks from initial beneficiaries sooner or later. But instead of loving as beneficiaries, Christ’s love enjoins believers to love as brethren. Why? We are sincerely and exceedingly blessed by God’s love and do not really need to be labelled as the beneficiaries from men. God’s love is inexhaustible. So, we are called to love without expecting anything back. That’s the only way those outside the perimeter of God’s love can get to know the way inside. Therefore, hatred, evil, and wickedness in retaliation for the wa...

  “Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Everyone knows that this world’s peace deals are simply political; there is always little or no sincerity in the pursuit of peace. Even in our homes, everyone wants peace as long as the other parties are able to convincingly demonstrate a commitment to his own peace standards. And in the diversity of peace standards, there cannot be any harmony of peace, tranquility, and understanding. Therefore, peace deals are completely antithetical to peace pursuit. In order to “ seek peace and pursue it ”, there must be a personal and unconditional commitment to “ turn away from evil and do good ”. Peace pursuit is synonymous to holy living, which draws from a personal relationship with God. Unfortunately, many insincere peace lovers would readily blame other people for a lack of peace; whereas, there cannot be true peace with people without a sincere peace with God. When we truly turn away...

  “Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Peace-loving in all relationships of life is simple and straightforward, if the dynamics of peace-making is completely controlled by the peace-lovers. No matter the personal desire for peace, the dynamics of peace at home, workplaces and the society are all influenced by a blend of the good and evil intentions, emotions, manifestation, and manipulation. For example, a peace-loving husband and father must do more than defining and desiring peace at home. He must be prepared to pursue peace in the midst of the worst disposition of his wife and children. Turning away from whatever seems evil to a peace-lover is always easy. Whereas, candidates for peaceful pursuits must learn how to understand the definition of evil in the eyes of others; and the pursuit of others’ concept of good, as much as possible for self and pleasing to God.