In 1 Peter 2:17 we are commanded to “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God and honor the king”. How do these commands look as they are applied in our lives?
As I consider how this verse relates to E squared, two of these commands resonate with me. Love and Honor. How do I love the brotherhood? One way is to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds” and to “encourage one another and all the more as you see the day drawing near” as stated in Hebrews 10:24-25. I find that getting together on a regular basis with a brother allows me to show my love for the brotherhood through the edification process, loving the Body of Christ. Encouraging one another to study and reflect upon Scripture and how it can be applied to our daily lives is one way to “love the brotherhood”.
Another way I have been counseled to love the brotherhood is to connect with men in other cities. Stay in touch with them and find out what they are doing in their marketplace to minister to men. I have heard of many times when a man in another city was looking for help or fellowship and a brother was able to connect that man to another brother that can meet with the troubled or seeking man. That was my personal experience when I was troubled; a friend was able to connect me to a faithful man in my city. What other ways can you think of to love the brotherhood?
The other command, “honor all people” and “honor the king”, how can this command be applied to our lives? Our Lord has put people in positions of authority for a reason and we must honor and respect our leaders. Romans 13:1 states “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God”. Praying for our leaders and praying for others is one way we can show our respect and show that we value all people and our leaders. At times I find that certain people or leaders are hard to accept as a part of my life, however, the Lord put them there for a reason. Praying for and thinking about why the Lord put certain people in my life has been a great way for me to apply this command. Repeatedly, I come away from my prayer time with a new found appreciation for that person. In what other ways can we “honor all people” and “honor the king”?
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