When Our Church Suffers

Nero was the emperor of Rome, and he had an obsession with building. But the only way he could build more was if he destroyed what already existed. He set Rome on fire, and the people became furious with him. He redirected their hostility by blaming Christians.
As a result, a vicious persecution began against Christians. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Peter wrote this letter to give Christians the spiritual encouragement they needed while suffering. In 1 Peter 3:8 he provides five commands that reveal how we should treat each other while suffering.

Family Worship Guide
Memory Verses: 1 Peter 3:8-17

Day 1: Read 1 Pet 3:8a; Rom 12:16, 15:5; 1 Cor 1:10; Phil 2:2; John 17:20-23 and discuss: What does it mean to be like-minded or have unity of mind? Why is unity so important? What is the difference between unity and uniformity? What did Jesus pray for future believers? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?

Day 2: Read 1 Pet 3:8b, Rom 12:15, 1 Cor 12:26, Heb 13:3, Job 30:25, Psa 35:13-14 and discuss: What is sympathy? What does it look like? Can you think of some sympathetic people in Scripture? Have you ever went throughsomething difficult, and found some people being very sympathetic toward you?

Day 3: Read 1 Pet 3:8e; Rom 12:3; Matt 18:32-35; Eph 4:32 and discuss: What does it mean to be tenderhearted? How can someone be tenderhearted, yet also willing to rebuke (wound) others? What is a humble mind? How does having a humble mind affect our relationships with others? In Scripture who seemed to have a humble mind?