Bible Passage: 1 Peter 3

My previous entry discussed about how we ought to be submissive to authority, yet being a meek servant of God.

This entry will focus on how meekness is a virtue that we ought to possess in the event of worldly persecutions.

1 Peter 3:13-17

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness ‘sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

In the event of worldly trials or calamities, it is very natural to be afraid or to be troubled by whatever that is going on at the moment. However, the Bible encourages us to do the exact opposite – Fear the Lord.

Isaiah 8:12-14

“Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honour as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary…“

By now, it should be apparent that it is not the enemy (or the people of the world) who needs to be feared, because they are not in charge of our souls or salvation. It is God who reigns and has control over the souls of men. Therefore, fearing the Lord and honouring Him is a wiser choice, or rather the wise choice.

Matthew 10:28

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

In sum, our conduct in the world determines how we are being judged at the end of time. Our freedom to choose how we respond to worldly persecutions will become a testimony to others and eventually to God, who will either bless and reward us or rebuke us.

1 Peter 2:20

“…if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”

1 Peter 4:16

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

Hence, this chapter and the previous one highlights Jesus Christ as our role model. Meekness, in other word, patient suffering is a fine example of how we can emulate Christ’s response to the trials and tribulations that we may face in this world. In addition to being meek, we need to put our trust and faith in the Lord while doing good.

1 Peter 4:19

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

Ultimately, I would like to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Wouldn’t you?