Living Out Your Faith 1 Peter 3: 1-15

 Living out your faith in a practical, visible, effective way; demonstrating what you believe, who you worship, and how you live.

1 Peter 3:1-2 (ESV) "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct."

If you let this stand alone it can be controversial, but in context of the verses leading up to this one it is easily explained. This is not a 1 sided issue. 1 Peter 3: 7 (ESV) "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered."

I. Who are you?

Peter is speaking to Christian people

1 Peter 2: 9-10 (ESV) "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

II. How should you live?

1 Peter 2:11 (ESV) "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."

Abstain from your old nature. Don't give into those emotions and passions that used to control you.

III. Why live this way?

1 Peter 2: 12 (ESV) "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

1 reason is to glorify God and make Him known. God doesn't need us to give him glory (He has it), but we can live in such a way that God is glorified

Matt. 5: 13-16 (ESV) "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

IV. How (exactly) to do that?

1 way is with submissive spirit/attitude. the exact opposite of rebellion.

Some examples

I. Christians should submit (when possible) to their government. (agencies/officials/laws etc.)

1 Peter 2: 13-15 (ESV) "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people."

Don't rebel unnecessarily "For this is the will of God"

1 Peter 2: 16 (ESV) "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God."

Don't use your (Christian) freedom as an excuse to justify your personal desires, wants, emotions and feelings. Liberty doesn't give you license to sin

Phil. 2:3-8 (ESV) "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

II. Servants should submit (when possible) to their master.

1 Peter 2: 18-21 (ESV) "Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

In vs 21 we are not called to suffer, but when/if you do suffer you should do it properly...as Christ did.  Do you see the context? Submission (when possible)

1. For Christ's sake

2. To demonstrate/express your faith

3. To glorify God (by your actions/lifestyle)

That is the background to 1 Peter 3: 1-2. Most people don't like these versus, but

1. It is scripture

2. It is written to and for Christian wives

3. It is not a 1 sided issue (addresses men also)

1 Peter 3: 3-6 (ESV) "Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear-but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening."

1. This is not a prohibition to makeup and jewelry. It is a promotion of inner beauty.

2. meek (gentle) doesn't mean you are a doormat.

Matt. 11:29 (ESV) "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Matt. 21:5 (ESV) "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'"

Matt. 5:5 (ESV) "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Meek does not equal weak.  Moses in Numbers 12:3 (ESV) "Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth."

3. Does not mean women are inferior. 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." You are heirs together.

Romans 8:17 (ESV) "and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."

Galatians 3:28 (ESV) "There is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Now husbands... 1 Peter 3:7  "likewise"

1. Live w/understanding "be considerate" "dwell according to knowledge". What man can understand they need to make every effor.

2. "Showing honor" admiration/respect/high esteem

3. "so that" you remain in good standing with God

Ephesians 5:25-29 (ESV) "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it just as Christ does the church"

Love your wives like Christ loves the church. Christ did this to build up His bride (the church) not  to tear it down.

Ephesians 5:33 (ESV) "However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

Respect is huge among men.

1 Peter 3: 8-9 (ESV) "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you may obtain a blessing."

If you have unity w/others is should also be w/spouse

1 Peter 3:13 (ESV) "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?"

If God is for you, who do you think will harm you? It will be a blessing not a curse.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect"

An apologetic (defense) as to why in context

1. Why do you treat your husband so well...with respect?

2. Why do you honor your wife?

Answer... 

1. because this is what you have been called to do (by God).

2. by this I glorify God (make His will known)

3. by this I obtain great blessings

Lifestyle evangelism

So...

1. What do you believe? (Is scripture God's words?)

2. Who do you worship? (Who is your Lord? Self?)

3. How does this work out in your marriage?

Character Counts 1 Peter 2: 11-25

1 Peter 2: 11-25 (ESV) "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil,1 but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you and example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not reviled in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of you souls." 

The greatest apologetics for the Christian faith is a changed life. God changes lives

1 Peter 2: 11-12 (ESV) "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Christians were called "evildoers" by the pagans. Peter tells them to keep their conduct pure, good, honorable so that the world who is watching can see their changed lives.

Verses 12 and 15 are the theme verses.

1 Peter 2:15 (ESV) "For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people."

Accusations against Christians

-Forming a revolution because they served a different king.

-Slave revolts, because of their freedom in Christ. They were equal in the fellowship.

-Atheists, because they didn't worship Caesar or the Roman gods.

-Accused of incest because they called each other brother and sister.

-All kinds of awful things were said about Christians because of ignorance and hatred.

-Accused of being cannibals because they said they ate "the body and blood of Christ"

-Blamed for burning Rome.

Christians lived in a hostile society and Peter encourages them to live a life above reproach/criticism.

Romans 12:18 (ESV) "If  possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

1 Peter 2: 13-16 (ESV) "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God."

These are hard verses to take sometimes. When Thomas Jefferson did not like something in the scriptures he would cut it out.

There are times when a Christian must disobey government or leaders. To save innocent lives (Moses' mom and the midwives who saved Hebrew boys). When prayer was forbidden (Daniel). Hiding Hebrew spies (Rahab). When ordered to worship idols (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego). When they were told to stop evangelizing (Peter and John Acts 4, Peter and Paul and others). When it comes down to honoring God or obeying the government you have to pick God and be willing to face the consequences. But you have to make sure that you are honoring God. 

However, most often we need to be obedient

I. Obey and honor the governing authorities

Generally speaking we ought to be the most obedient citizens.

II. God wants obedience

See vs 15

III. Government is a minister of God

See vs 13 and 14

Romans 13:4-7 (ESV) "for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer."

Even bad governments can do good. China is an example of that. Even though they don't allow evangelism and allow child labor and many other things they do punish those who commit murder, rape, theft, fraud. 

IV. Good Citizens silence foolish talk

See vs 15

Let us strive to be like Daniel. Daniel 6:1-4 (ESV) "It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him."

Through his conduct and character he won over the king. Daniel was a prisoner of war, an exile in Babylon where they tried to strip him of his Hebrew identity. But Daniel was true to God, but was also respectable and good to the king. The Babylonians were jealous of him and made laws that would show how he favored God over the king.

1 Peter 2:18-25 (ESV) "Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrow while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you and example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 

Some say that the bible endorses slavery, but in Exodus 21:16 & Deuteronomy 24:7 the bible outlaws kidnapping for slavery. The New Testament lays the ground work for ridding the world of slavery. Christians and Christian nations were the first to abolish slavery.

What did Jesus say? In a sermon he said many could work to earn freedom. Even if they had harsh masters. Again, Character Counts. We are to work hard in our situation because in the long run we are obeying God and serving the Lord.

V. Work hard because ultimately it's the Lord you are pleasing

 Follow the example Christ has given us.

Colossians 3:22-24 (ESV) "Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eyeservice, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

VI. Be good even to the unjust

See vs 18

Worker integrity, effort, quality of work,  be the best accountant, logger, teacher, doctor, student. Why? to point others to Jesus.

Your character lays the groundwork for the gospel (see vs 12). A Holy life is the best platform to share the truth from.

Philippians 2:12-18 (ESV) "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me."

Jesus the Cornerstone 1 Peter 2:4-12

 1 Peter 2:4-12 (ESV) "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.' So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.' They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against you soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

I. Jesus is cornerstone

What is the point of a cornerstone? In older church buildings the first large stone "the cornerstone" was used to list important information and dates about the building. The cornerstone was the principle stone...the first stone...the largest stone. Structurally it supported the bulk of the weight of the structure and it set the standard for the rest of the building. The cornerstone ensures that the walls were straight and the angles correct. If the cornerstone is off the whole structure is off and unstable.

II. Jesus supports it all

-All of creation

-By him, through him and for him were all things made. Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV) "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers of authorities-all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

-Everything is held together by Christ. Romans 11:36 (ESV) "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen."

-The Church, his people, the new covenant. Ephesians 5:25-30 (ESV) "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body."

This is a tough assignment for husbands because we all fall short. Without Jesus the church would have fallen apart. We are nothing without Jesus.

III. Jesus is the standard

-like the cornerstone sets the standard for the whole structure, Jesus sets the standard for us.

-WWJD bracelets from the '90s This was a great question. Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."

It is good to be ecouraged by the life of those who have gone before us. Jesus is our ultimate example.

IV. We (Christians) are being built up into a spiritual house

Peter was probably thinking about his conversation with Christ when he wrote this scripture.

Matthew 16:15-18 (ESV) "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'"

What does this mean? We do not hold to the Catholic position that Jesus was making Peter as the authority for the  early church. Peter did have a voice in the early church but not the ultimate authority, but Jesus is saying something was important about Peter. His confession that Jesus was the Christ was important to Jesus. and his teaching and ministry. The church is built upon Jesus, it's cornerstone and also the foundation is the teaching of the apostles who received their teaching from Jesus.

Ephesians 2:18-21 (ESV) "For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in thee Lord."

Paul and Peter and John in Revelations 21:14 say basically the same thing about a spiritual house being built up with Christ as the cornerstone.  It is almost as if God is the author of all scripture. Because even though Paul is not Peter and Peter is not Paul they are saying the same thing, that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone and upon him this church, this kingdom, his people are being built up into a temple. He calls us 

-a chosen race

-a royal priesthood

-a holy nation

- a people for his own possession

We are chosen by God, we are loved by God, we are his people and we are set apart for special service. We have each been gifted to serve and we each have a special place in this spiritual house.

What are we do do with this responsibility? What are we supposed to do with this calling?  To share the good news!

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV) "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of the darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Peter was pulling from Old Testament ideas of Israel being called to be set apart and be holy as God's chosen people. They were supposed to display the goodness of God. They were supposed to be a light to all nations. We are now called to display the goodness of God. We are called to proclaim the "excellencies" of God. We have been called out of darkness to share the good news. We were not "a people", but now we are and we are now supposed to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

We are to offer up a spiritual sacrifice through prayer, worship and our bodies. We are to bring our will, our mind, and our actions into submission to Jesus Christ to honor God. Out of love for him and also as a testimony to the lost. 

1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV) "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against you soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Peter is speaking about evangelism and he is remembering Jesus's words about being a "light" before men. 

Matthew 5:16 (ESV) "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Let your life be an example to the world a testimony. 

We are too have confidence. We need to make our "walk" match our "talk" But you have to talk! We are supposed to let God work through us. God is going to build his church and build his kingdom and he will use us.

Challenge...try to have a spiritual conversation with somebody this week. We are called to do it.

Psalms 67 (ESV) "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Drink Milk, Get Strong

 Peter - writing to believers in modern day Turkey, were under control of Rome.  Were spiritual exiles.  If weren't experiencing extreme persecution, were about to.  Needed to get strong.  Emperor Nero about to be in control.

Is no situation in life where you wouldn't be better off spiritually strong.  Last week Ed talked about how to respond to God's grace. Be holy - in mind AND action!

1 Pet. 1:22-23
DRINK MILK.  GET STRONG  - pure, spiritual milk.

Don't get confused with Paul's milk metaphor in 1 Cor. 3:1-3 (you haven' matured).  It is a positive here.  Just as babies need milk, so we ought to crave the things of God in this way.

I.  A mark of a true Christian is that they crave the things of God.  (especially the Word).  Ought to want to hear from God.

Psm. 119:72, 97

II.  God's Word satisfies.  _ Jer. 15:16, John 6:35
How to connect with Jesus?  by faith, reading, hearing the Word, spending time in the Word

III.  God's Word is pure.   Psm. 12:6, Prov. 30:5  (Every word of God proves to be true)
Our spirit craves the Word.  Are we feeding it with good stuff?  Or, is this why we always feel unsatisfied, because we're filled with other stuff.

IV.  God's Word nourishes and strengthens the believer. - Psm. 1:1-3
One of the outgrowths of that:

V.  A strong believer loves God's people.  
1 Pet. 1:22-23 - ever seen a "christian" that spews hate at other believers?
John 13:34-35 - We need to have a special love, affection, patience, and care
Sincere - not phony (frenemy - ie:  enemy that acts like a friend to your face), genuine, without selfish motives ..(if I'm nice I can get....)
Fervently/earnestly - extended out, stretched tight, strained, to the point that it hurts.
From a pure heart - your innermost being...."from the bottom of my heart" - really mean it.

Which leads to 1 Pet. 2:1 ...."therefore" ties it to the last thought:  cut this stuff out!!!
Malice - wickedness, evilness, maliciousness, cause trouble, sew division
Deceit - crafty and manipulative.  Trick or bait someone into a trap.
Hypocrisy-phony - Literally under a mask.  Actor.... they're all a bunch of .......
Envy - jealousy, hatred
Slander - evil speaking, backbiting, defamation

Basically the caricature of the mean girl in middle school.  Stop that and love one another.
We need each other.  When the fight finds you, and it will, you'll need people to have your back.

Crave and grow in the word. 
Love one another. 
Put away the wickedness.

Rom. 15:1-6