1. Christians are called to display love in the face of evil.
1 Peter 3:8-12 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
“Unity of mind” is not uniformity. It means cooperation in the context of diversity. We can disagree on “how” things should be done; however, we all agree on “what” should be done.
D.L. Moody, a great preacher, had a critic who complained to him about his methods of sharing the Gospel. Moody said, “Well, I am always ready for improvement. What are your methods?” The man confessed that he did not have any. “Then I will stick to my own,” said Moody.
“Sympathy” is not being hardhearted toward each other. In the Roman Empire, this was not a popular quality. However, the message of the Gospel changed that. In our culture, we hear so much negative news and talk, we can become immune to the hurts of others.
“Humble mindedness” is being willing to consider another person’s point of view.
Peter prepares the readers of this letter for the official persecution which was about to take place. Today, we had better take heed; things are about to get much worse.
Three Levels of Dealing with Evil
· The Satanic Level: Returning evil for good.
· The Human Level: Returning evil for evil.
· The Divine Level: Returning good for evil.
Luke 9:53-55 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" 55 But he turned and rebuked them.
Jesus displayed love to His enemies.
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Peter quotes from Psalm 34:12-16.
2. A Christian’s response to adversity is his or her greatest opportunity show the difference that Jesus makes in a person’s life!1 Peter 3:13-17 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
When we have enemies, we must remember God’s promise to be “for us!”
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Hope in the midst of despair is the greatest argument for the authenticity of your faith!
Hope on display is a quality that is so distinct from the norm that it puzzles the watching world.
2 Timothy 4:14-18 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
To live is to suffer. Suffer for doing something right!
