Good morning people who are blessed

Further to yesterday’s BIY, I encourage you to carefully and prayerfully read 1 Peter 3:8-17. There is so much important truth in there that we must accept if we are to walk honourably when we face persecution.

Here’s a few verses from that passage that speak clearly for themselves.

1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

We are called to respond justly when we are treated unjustly.

1 Peter 3:14a But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.

Blessing is not evident by peace on all fronts but is a promise conditional only on obedience to God’s Word.

1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

When will people ask about the hope we have? When they know that we responded differently than others do. If we respond as the world does, people will not see the hope. They must see it so they can ask about it. Then there’s the instruction to ensure we do it gently and with respect. Oh how necessary this is and how much we need God’s help to do it.

The result of living lives like this is people are connected to God through us. What a wonderful privilege and responsibility.