Read 1 Peter 3:13–17
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even
if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
1 Peter 3:13–14
As Christians, we are faced with crises, and we are tempted to give in
to our fears and make the wrong decisions. But if we “set apart Christ
as Lord” (v. 15) in our hearts, we need never fear people or circumstances. Our enemies may hurt us, but they can never harm us. Only
we can harm ourselves if we fail to trust God. Generally speaking,
people do not oppose us if we do good; but even if they do, it is better
to suffer for righteousness’ sake than to compromise our testimony.
Instead of experiencing fear as we face the Enemy, we can experience blessing, if Jesus Christ is Lord in our hearts. When Jesus Christ
is Lord of our lives, each crisis becomes an opportunity for witness. We
should “always be prepared to give an answer” (v. 15). As Christians
we should be able to give a reasoned defense of our hope in Christ,
especially in hopeless situations. A crisis creates the opportunity for
witness when we behave with faith and hope, because nonbelievers
will then sit up and take notice.
Something to Ponder
What is the worst you have ever suffered because of your faith?