1 Peter 3:13-16 NASB
And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 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, 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; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
Personal Challenge...
Wow! There is so much that can be unpacked from this passage as well as the other ones that surround it. In essence we are being commanded to be willing to suffer for doing what is right, for what good is there in suffering for doing what is wrong. We are being commanded to be ready to stand and defend our faith, our hope, but not as we define defense in today's society (aggressive, mean spirited, underhanded, with the intent to eviscerate), but with gentleness and reverence and with a good conscience...again by doing what is right in the eyes of God. Once again it comes back to doing all that we do in love!
No comments:
Post a Comment