1. 1 Peter 3:8-12 There is Nothing Automatic about Living the Christian Life

2. Scripture 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NIV) 8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 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. 10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

3. Point # 1 A person who wants to live an intentional life, lives by what he knows that he ought to do rather than what he feels like he wants to do. 8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 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.

4. Point # 2 A person who wants to live an intentional life must develop a willingness to forgive quickly. 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.

5. Point #3 A person who wants to live an intentional life must add praying for those who have hurt them to their prayer list. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

6. Point # 4 A person who wants to live an intentional life cannot forget the promises of God given to us. vs. 9... because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

7. Conclusion We are called to live an intentional life. It requires hard work- forgiving quickly and praying for those who have hurt us. But the rewards are great- God will bless now and in the future.