And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Peter 3:13-16 KJV)
This is so appropriate considering the terror that we are seeing carried out ever day over the Internet, news and other sources all over our world. We live in hostile times. 1 Peter is a book for our times.
Many Christians and others are being persecuted and martyred because they don't believe the "right" things. Ultimately, they can not harm us spiritually. Our home is in heaven and God will protect our souls until He takes us there. We may suffer in this body and even be killed for what we believe, but ultimately, they cannot kill our soul.
We are not to fear their terror. It can't take our souls from the hand of God. One day, at the judgement, they will be ashamed before God for falsely accusing us as evil doers. Then they will have to deal with the wrath of God.
No, rather than being afraid of their terror, we are told to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts and be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have in meekness and fear (awe and reverence for God). In other words stay close to God...do all that you do with a conscience toward God and don't be surprised if you are met with hostility for it.
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Luke 6:27-28 KJV)
No comments:
Post a Comment