I. The general application: The attitude of Christians toward others
A. An application for all Christians
B. Spiritual qualities to be displayed by all Christians (harmony, sympathy, brotherly love, compassion, humility)
II. The specific application: The attitude of Christians in the face of hostility
A. The negative to avoid (returning evil for evil and insult for insult)
B. The positive to follow (giving an blessing instead)
III. The reason for the applications: Our standing before God
A. The reason is that we have been called that we might inherit a blessing.
B. The reason is confirmed in the OT revelation (Psalm 34).
C. The reason is found only in Christ.