We should not only love God’s people; we should also love our enemies. The recipients of Peter’s first letter were experiencing a certain amount of personal persecution because they were doing the will of God.

Peter warned them that official persecution was just around the corner, so they had better prepare. The church today had better prepare too, because difficult times are ahead.

As Christians, we can live on one of three levels. We can return evil for good, which is the satanic level. We can return good for good and evil for evil, which is the human level. Or, we can return good for evil, which is the divine level. Jesus is the perfect example of this last approach.

As God’s loving children, we must not give “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,” which is the basis for justice. We must operate on the basis of mercy, for that is the way God deals with us.

Jesus tells us: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45, NIV).

Also read: Matthew 5:38-48; 1 Peter 2:21-23; 3:9.

Action assignment: Surprise someone on your “enemy list” by doing a kind deed. Ask God to help you live by Jesus’ command.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in