(1 Peter 3:8-12)

June 29, 2025

Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor – SCBC

Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.

1.​DEEPEN YOUR FRIENDSHIP.

A.​1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be of one mind; be sympathetic, love like a friend, be compassionate and humble.

Application #1 – Choose less stuff and more moments.

B.​Friendship expresses compassion for each other.

The word compassion means to feel what another feels, to understand and identify with another.

C.​Friendship expresses a tender heart.

1.​1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. (KJV)

2.​Tenderhearted – to be sensitive and affectionate toward the needs of your mate.

Application #2 – In moments that call for comfort, encouragement, you don’t have to solve the problems. Just be there.

E.​Friendship expresses courtesy.

To place your mate’s needs above yourself.

Application #3 – Treat your spouse better than you treat anyone else, even yourself.

2.​LEARN TO RESPOND BETTER IN HURTFUL TIMES. (1 Peter 3:9-11)

A.​1 Peter 3:10 If you do (respond better), you will love life and see good days.

B.​Control your response to disappointment and hurt.

1.​1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

2.​James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Your anger can never make things right in God's sight. (NLT)

3.​Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Application # 4 – Create a plan for handling conflict with your spouse. (1 Peter 3:11)

1 Peter 3:11 You must turn from evil and do good; you must seek peace and pursue it. (NIV)

1.​Calm down.

2.​Seek peace. Find a solution in which you both win.

3.​Agree on the majors and give space on the minors. Most things are minors.

1 Peter 4:8 Love covers a multitude of sins.

4.​March at the head of the other's parade.

5.​Don't just talk about problems.

6.​Make time to have fun and be in the moment.

3.​PRACTICE GOD'S PRESENCE IN YOUR HOME. (1 Peter 3:12)

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer… (NIV)

Application #5 – God sees, God hears, and we care about what He sees and hears."