August 11, 2022

THE HOPE WITHIN

1 Peter 3:13-17

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Personal Challenge

Why is it that people, quite often people in the church, treat others with such disdain and animosity, especially when they don't take the time to reach out to them to find out what is going on in their lives? Why do people make assumptions of others' intents and then go off treating them based on those assumptions rather than showing them the love of Christ. Sometimes we make decisions to do what we believe is right in the eyes of God, just to be looked down upon and sneered at by those who are not willing to at least ask us if we are doing okay. I am so thankful for the hope that is within me that comes from my Lord. It is this hope that keeps me moving forward even in the midst of those who are unhappy with my decisions. They can attempt to defame me as an evil doer. They can revile me for my good conduct in the Lord. But in the end it is they who will be ashamed. This may be part of all of our journeys in Christ at some point in time. It is never easy. It is always painful when people that you have loved and served alongside of revile you and snub you because you are no longer fitting their model and attempting to follow where you believe you are being led. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!