Who will harm you?

Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honour him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.  (verse 13-16a)

Read 1 Peter 3: 18-22

I can think of a whole lot of people who would be more than happy to harm you for being eager to do good. Obviously, so can Peter. Why else would he immediately say, ‘But even if you should suffer…’?

The point is that, even though there are people who wish to harm you and will do all in their power to make you suffer, you have no need to be afraid or to worry. With your faith in Jesus, everything is taken care of. And if someone asks you why you can face up to suffering in this way, remember to explain it with gentleness and respect.

And why not? You have nothing you need to prove. There is nothing you need to fear. Your hope and your future are secure in Jesus.

Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance the words needed to witness to others of my faith in Jesus. Amen.

by Tom Peitsch, in ‘Refreshment for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2003)

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