1 Peter 3:8-16

8: To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
9: not 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.

10: For, “THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.
11: “HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.
12: “FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”

13: Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?
14: But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,
15: but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
16: and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

*** 

Peter said, all of you, not just servants, wives, or husbands, but every believer is to treat others kindly, not returning evil for evil, but following Christ’s example as he had been saying. He reiterated what he said in 1 Peter 2:21, “You were called for this very purpose,” to follow Christ’s example and not return abusive language or threats. Instead, commit yourself to Him who judges righteously. This so you might inherit a blessing.

Peter quoted Psalm 34:12-16 to say the one who wants life, to love, and see good days, must not be one who speaks evil or deceit. He must turn from evil, do good, seek and pursue peace. Because the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and their prayers, but His face is against those who do evil. Peter asked, who will harm you if you’re zealous for what is good? 

To continue in Psalm 34 (verses 17-22) we read that the Lord hears the cry of the righteous and delivers them out of all their troubles. The righteous have hope of God’s deliverance. However, there may be times when the righteous do suffer. 

Normally, those in authority are there to reward good and restrain evil (Romans 13:3-4). Peter addressed those situations where they may suffer for the sake of righteousness and said they were still blessed. He quoted Isaiah 8:12 to say not to fear their intimidation or be troubled. Instead, sanctify and honor Christ as Lord within you. 

Be ever ready to defend the hope you have within you. Be prepared to give an answer as to why you believe in Christ and hope for His full salvation in the coming Day. Do so in gentleness and with respect so even if they are disrespectful, slanderous, or mock your beliefs and behavior, you keep your conscience clear and remain faithful to the Lord, following His example.



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