Loving People

Click here for the audio message of 1 Peter 3:8-17

Peter has wrote about how Christians should act toward the government or other authorities. Peter has wrote about how Christians should act with their spouses. In both cases we are to submit to those over charge of us.

Finally, this morning we see Peter writing about our conduct with other believers. He says we are to be like-minded. We are to be sympathetic, tenderhearted and courteous toward each other. We are to be united with each other through Christ. This should not only be our attitude but our actions as well.

No doubt there are times when this is difficult for us to do. Believers are still human and at times fall prey to the ways of the world. But we are to turn the other cheek when someone is saying or doing something evil to you.

We should return good to them for their evilness. We can try to find ways to serve that person. We can pray for them, maybe for their salvation or just their spiritual growth. We can express our thankfulness to that person. Or we can simply speak well of them and honestly desire their well being.

This is how we are to live. We are indeed to enjoy our lives. God put us here for a reason and we should live life to its fullest, but we can only do that as we are living the life God wants us to live.

Peter tells us in no uncertain terms how to enjoy life here, even while living in a dark world that is out to get you. We have already seen in verse 8-9 that he says to have a humble loving attitude toward everyone. Do not seek revenge against those that hurt you.

In verse 10, he continues and says, quoting from Psalm 34:12-16, refrain from speaking evil, use pure and honest speak only. We are to hate sin and pursue peace as much as possible. We are to have a right motive to seek righteousness and please God with our lives.

That is the type of life God wants for us. When we are living like that then we will truly be able to enjoy our lives, even when our situation looks pretty bad from a world perspective.

That is what Peter delves into next. He says when people do good, the world is slow to attack those people.

Look at politicians for example. When they are routinely doing good for their constituents, bringing money and jobs into the area or whatever the people are happy. If the politician does something a little bad, the people are willing to over look it because of all the good stuff that they have done.

But it can happen and Christians should expect it and be ready for it. We as Christians should be focused on being and doing good. Then when we do speak out against sin, the world won’t attack us immediately. Peter does go on to say, that it will happen though.

He uses the example of Christ to show suffering. Suffering for doing good should bring us joy. When you suffer for doing wrong it should be expected that you will be punished and suffer. But God knows when we are being persecuted for doing good.

When the world is attacking us we should be ready to given a defense of our actions. That means we should know the Word of God. We should have it locked in our hearts. As we live in submission to God, loving and obeying Him, we will have no fear of what will happen.

You must understand what you believe. You should understand why you are a believer and be able to given an explanation to others in a dignified and respectful way.

You must also have a clear conscience. If someone is speaking evil of you and what they say is true, then you do not have a clear conscience. You need to clean up your act. You need to eliminate any ongoing sin in your life and confess them to God. Ask for the strength to remove those thoughts or actions from your life.

We must always remember who we are. We belong to Christ and we represent Christ in this world. We need to remember the life of Christ and mimic His actions.

Jesus was always there for others, even when He wanted to be alone. If someone was in need, He was there for them. Why? Because He loved them. He was compassionate toward them.

The next time you are feeling overwhelmed. Everybody wants a piece of your time and attention and you have a million other things to do. You heart is starting to race because you just can’t handle it.

Think about the life of Christ. He gave Himself to others because He loved them. We should do the same. Whether we are giving ourselves to family members, friends, or strangers, it doesn’t matter. We are to love them all and give ourselves to them.

After all Christ gave His entire self to this world. “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” (1 Peter 18)

Closing Prayer
Lord, help us to love others as You have loved us. Even when we are exhausted and feel as though we have nothing else to give, strengthen us and fill us with your grace and mercy.

Help us to demonstrate that love of Yours in this world. Enable us to be like Christ, compassionate, caring, and merciful. Use us to be an example to the people of this world and help us to bring sinners to You.

AMEN