1 Peter 3:14-15 Suffering for Doing Right

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere 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.” 1 Peter 3:14-15

Peter points out that most of the time when you do something good no one will harm you, but there are times someone will. Here he tells you that if you are harmed for doing something right, you are blessed.

What does he mean “blessed” when suffering for doing good? No one likes to suffer, how is that a blessings? Paul said he found joy in suffering for Christ, because he was going through a little of what Jesus had to go through. It is sort of like paying Jesus back a little for what He has gone through for you. The only way to find this joy is in a deep relationship with Jesus and really seeing what He has done for you.

Then you are told not to be afraid of their threats. These are the threats of those who are mis-treating you. Remember, the worst man can do to you is kill your body. In that happening you get to go to be with Jesus in heaven forever. Their threats are only temporary at best.

Peter then tells you to revere Christ as Lord in your heart. This is placing Jesus as the absolute ruler of everything in your life. Honor God with your whole life.

Then you are to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you. Do you know what you believe? Do you know why you believe what you believe? Can you answer someone who asks those questions on the spot? In another spot you are told to be ready in season and out of season. God will usually open doors for sharing your faith when you are not at church. Be ready for that.

In giving that answer, you must do it with gentleness and respect. Many times I have seen believers cramming God down the throats of people, only showing the sinfulness of their ways and the judgment of God. There is very little love of God in that, even though it all may be true. A kind word usually will turn away wrath, calming a person down. Respect the non-believer, even though you do not agree with his way of living or beliefs. If you look at the gospels, most of the time when Jesus used angry words it was with believers in God, not the people living in the world with no regard for God. Be gentle today.

I pray that today God will give you strength to do the right thing all the time; that God will reveal the blessings in suffering for doing right; that God will remove all fear in your life; that you will revere Jesus as Lord in your heart; that you will be ready to give an answer any time needed; and that you will speak with gentleness and respect to non-believers.