Having been the main theme throughout his writing, Peter again challenges his readers to continue living out their faith even though they were suffering resistance from the culture. Christians are usually persecuted for two reasons: being distinct from the culture and proclaiming Jesus as the only way to God. Since believers now lived their lives according to God’s ways they no longer participated in the carnality of the culture. Those outside the church probably wondered why their ways were no longer good enough for those with new found faith in Christ. Also, this new faith in Christ naturally caused them to stand against the worship of false gods and those around them did not like this. Instead of inciting a rebellion amongst Christians against the culture, Peter advised them to let their lives speak louder than their words. For this reason he writes “be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing…love life…refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (3:8-11). What would following this code of conduct do? “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers…” (3:12). God listens to those who follow His ways. Peter goes on to remind them that good conduct rarely is returned with evil (3:13), but even if it was they should not be fearful (3:14). Instead of fearing, followers of Christ should always be prepared to explain the reason for the hope inside of them, which is Christ (3:15-17). The salvation from sin and hope of eternal life provided Christians with the patience to suffer wrongdoing on this earth. Peter reminded his readers that even Christ had suffered for doing right, but what others meant for evil brought good (3:18-22). Maybe you are experiencing persecution at the hands of those who do not understand your faith in Jesus Christ. Be strong and faithfully live out God’s ways remembering that this life is only temporary. There is hope for you beyond the struggles of this life!
Dear God, help me to be faithful in obeying Your ways even when things are not going well. May I see beyond the “now” in order to see the hope You have in store for those who love You.
