How we treat others is a choice. We are called to love one another. We are called to have one mind. We are called to have sympathy. We are called to have a tender heart. And we are called to have a humble mind. How can we do this as sinful human beings? Is it even possible? Well it is certainly possible to pursue these things, even if we cannot achieve them.
Our lives are so overwhelmed sin that it can be hard to see the sunshine through the clouds. That can be the case when we are not pursuing holiness as these verses are calling us to. The thing about this is, when we pursue holiness, the Lord seeks us. v.12 shows us that the Lord’s eyes are on those who are righteous, and His ears open to their prayers. How great is it to know that the Lord is watching over us?!
Which is the next point that Peter explains, if we are pursuing righteousness and desiring to be more like Him, who can be against us? Have no fear of those who do evil things to us. Those that speak evil things, beat us down, or even physically abuse us. Honor Christ the Lord as Holy (v.15). As I mentioned in previous posts our Hope needs to be in Christ. Look at v.15. “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who ask you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” In order to answer for hope, we must show that we have hope. Hope in Christ.
Exhibiting our Hope in Christ will put those who do evil to shame. There is nothing that anyone can do to us when we put our trust in Christ. He is the one we live for, not these people. We live to die to our sins. We do not make our home here on this Earth. We make our home with our Savior and God.
The last thing that strikes me about these verses is v.17. “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” Why would God will us to suffer? What would be the reasoning? We are sinful creatures; therefore, we will do sinful things. It is important for us to recognize that we live in a terrible world. We cannot do good without Christ’s will in us. Romans 8:28 states, “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” We need to put our hope in Christ. That does not mean everything will be great for us. That is ignorant. God killed His only Son, and it pleased Him to do so. We may die for the sake of Christ being glorified. Can you put your life in His hands? Can I? That is tough.
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