1 Peter 3:13–17 (ESV)
Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake
13
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being
prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Peter has been focusing on how we should live and behave. He is talking about suffering for Righteousness’
sake. Yes, we will have trials and sufferings... expect them!!! We need to be ready to support our beliefs and teachings. Read what he writes in verse 15: “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that
is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” This means that we need to treat those who disagree with us with respect. If we speak down to them, or make fun of them... will they ever listen to our reasoning? At the seminary, there were times when
some one would say something wrong and the younger guys would snicker at them. Well... do you think these guys had trouble when they went out in the parish??? Yes they did! We must treat our brothers with respect, as well as those who disagree with us. We
stand up to our beliefs with respect and good behavior. Kill them with kindness, not ridicule. “Do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put
to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
I pray: O Lord, it is easy to roll our eyes or treat others disrespectful when they
disagree with us, or even persecute us. It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” Lord, use us and we pray “Thy will be done!” Amen.