In his first Epistle Saint Peter begins to stir things up with regard to what is expected of a believer in his or her very personal life relationships. In 3.8-9 we read: Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; Harmony is a fascinating thing in that it requires several different influences at the same time, and all of which seem to fit together without demanding the removal of any singular source of an input.

What we find in this enlightenment on personal relationships under the Lord Jesus Christ a call to be a positive influence on the circumstances in which we find ourselves: be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Once again, this is not to be seen as a ‘poor baby’ response to another, but as an expressed interest in each other, without pride, and in a caring and keeping attitude among all.

There will be negative responses from time to time because we are humans after all. When these things come into the mix of the relationship they are to be allowed to occur, but without an increase of insult which allows for negative attitudes to grow out of proportion: Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, Each of us is to be about planting the blessings of our Lord into the lives of each other.

The reward for this behavior within relationships demonstrates what it means to be a submitted person, and allows for God to increase his favor over our lives: because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Simply put, submission brings blessing—not always evident instantly, but ever there in the presence and power of our Lord Jesus. Let us manifest that love in the flesh through the Lord.