And keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
When was a time you reacted to a situation in a way that was unexpected even to you? Certain moments can trigger a response of anger or deep sorrow we never saw coming. With the adrenaline of the moment, we may respond based on how we feel instead of thinking before we speak. We often describe these moments as an explosion because it gives the image of what we feel going on. Emotions run high at a moment’s notice. These moments happen in our homes, at work, and even online.
Peter, understanding that everyone faces conflict, gave an exhortation on handling these types of moments. His words remind us that the way we respond to others matters, even in conflict. Our response is a testimony to our relationship with Christ. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48). Instead of focusing on what people deserve, or how we feel like responding in the moment, we are show the Father’s love. This is not easy. It requires self-control and a trust in God’s sovereignty but when we do this, we point even our enemies to the hope in Christ.
- How does your relationship with Christ affect the way you respond or react to people?
- What is hard for you about loving your enemies? How has God responded to you when you were His enemy?
- Pray and confess the times you have struggled responding to others in love.
