Today we're looking at a very important Scripture to keep in mind when we talk to others about Jesus. In 1 Peter, Peter is writing to Christians in various churches. Most of them are probably non-Jewish.
1 Peter 3:8-9 says, "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
What does it mean to be of one mind? Whose mind should strive to have? The answer to this is that the old Sunday school answer to everything. Jesus. Having the mind of Jesus doesn’t come overnight or automatically once you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. Becoming of one mind with Jesus is something to be done daily. I’m 42 years old and still figuring this out. I literally have to pray everyday that Jesus lines my will up with His because if I just go about my day, my will just gets further and further out of line. We need recalibration to Jesus and His will through prayer and reading of scripture every single day. Without Him guiding us, "The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 19:9).
1 Peter 3:9 says, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." Peter goes on to back up his statement with a direct quote from Psalm 34:12-16. Why do you think that New Testament authors often quote from OT books of the Bible? It’s a lot like citing a source in a research paper. It shows that Peter has been meditating on Scripture as he wrote this letter, much like we are meditating on Scripture today.
Now for the supposed contradiction. In Leviticus 24:19-21 and other places in the Old Testament God says the law for Israel on retribution is, "An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth." Does this contradict what Peter is saying in verse 9? Context is everything. In Leviticus, God is laying down civic law for a brand new country here. Think of this a little like the Constitution. The purpose of “an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” is most likely to keep people from retaliating for more than they lost. The purpose is to put a limit on legal action that can be taken against a person. A civic law for Israel is a little different than a moral law that is for all people and all times.
To compare, read Matthew 5:38. Jesus is raising the bar for his people here and teaching us to act contrary from what seems natural.
In verses 13-14, Peter encourages us. "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. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
Is this the way that you usually see Christians in person, online etc. deal with unbelievers? (There isn't a correct answer to this question, but we probably won't win people over to Jesus through snark or insults.)
1 Peter 3:15-16 says, "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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
What are Christians told to be prepared to do? To be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have. And what is the stipulation mentioned in connection with this command? GENTLENESS AND RESPECT.
You guys, this is huge. When you tell someone about Jesus, you should never have the attitude that you are better than others because you know the truth. Again, always line yourself up with the Spirit so that you are prepared. When someone asks you, let the Spirit guide you.
Can you think of a time when you were either part of a conversation like this or were in ear range of one? Have you seen it done poorly or well?
As a recent example, think about the Olympics opening ceremony and how people responded to it. Did you see gentleness and respect? Confronting evil is important, but how we present Jesus to the world is even more important. The only way we can do it His way is through lining our will up with His and saying, "Have it your way, Jesus."
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