1 Peter 3:13-15a Suffering for Doing Good
13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.
In our passage today, Peter challenges us, as Christians, to truly love one another. When people insult or mistreat us, we are to turn and bless them. That is a challenge isn’t it? Our tongues are not to engage in evil slander of others; it is the work of evil and God turns his face against those who do it! God sees when we do the right thing in loving others especially when the right thing is not happening to us.
A big issue for humanity right now (in the midst of Covid-19) is the abuse of power and the tongue is leading the way. Intimidation is used to gain control over others. Many times it functions under the pretense of caring for people. Intimidation is defined as: the act of making others timid or fearful by either “real or implied threats.” At the core of an intimidator is a self-serving agenda for power. When we read Scripture, we are able to identify both the intimidators and the true leaders, because God has revealed their hearts to us by letting us observe their actions. The Pharisees were intimidators and Jesus who is love incarnate never agreed with them or their tactics. In fact, he rebuked them and ticked them off. Remember, true leaders are always extending wisdom tools that build hope while empowering and encouraging others toward a better future.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the assurance that you see when I suffer for doing what is right. Help me to be diligent as I prepare people for the future. Cause me to operate in love rather than fear. Help me to be a source of encouragement and empowerment for your Kingdom and glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.