⁸To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; ⁹not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

Backing up from the details, the venerable, apostle Peter now summarizes his inspired teaching on submission in the various scenarios with seven takeaways.

First, we should be harmonious in our relationships, pulling in the same direction. As Christians, we are part of the same family, and our communal goal is to get along so that God is glorified and we fulfill the purpose He has for us.

Second, harmony requires that we be sympathetic. This does not mean we always agree; it does mean we should spend more time working hard to understand what and how others are thinking and feeling, and less time trying to make others understand us. This involves considerate listening.

Third, we should be brotherly, where the Greek word could be translated “brotherly loving” toward others. We treat others in the Christian community with familial affection. That person with whom I disagree or who aggravates me is my brother or sister, not an enemy.

Fourth, we are to be kindhearted, also translated compassionate. This takes sympathy and brotherliness to the action stage. Our inner feelings move from inside us to the others, so that they are affected in positive ways by our commitment to harmony. We become focused on helping meet the needs of others. This is not just physical help, although it does include that if needed. But it also includes emotional support, encouragement, deference, and allowing our love to overlook a multitude of offenses.

Fifth, we need to be humble. This does not refer to the naturally reserved personality that some are endowed with. Rather, it is the attitude of putting oneself second so that others might be first. It is an attitude and commitment to treating others better than oneself (see Phil. 2:1–11 for teaching about humbling ourselves on the model of Jesus’ humbleness).

Sixth, we must not retaliate against insults in kind. Selfish verbal sparring matches can viciously destroy fellowship. When there is so much conflict and persecution in the world, we believers cannot afford to allow destructive worldly behaviors to infect our fellowship.

Seventh, when maligned, instead of retaliation we should return words of blessing for words of insult, kindness for evil, love for hatred (1 Peter 2:21–24).

Lord, I need Your miraculous help in doing these seven things.