1 Peter 3:13-17
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[a]; do not be frightened.”[b] 15 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, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
This passage doesn’t promise that God will be a cosmic steamroller, removing all bumps from our life. We should expect to suffer – but we know that God will continue to bless us according to His wisdom. We are called to endure hardship, trusting that we will receive a final reward that will far surpass any measly temptation this world can offer.
Being prepared to give an answer for the hope we have is good, but sometimes I think we need to consider whether we’re waiting too long to speak some truth into someone’s life. We should feel zero shame in appropriately mentioning that (for example) we went to church on the weekend, or how our faith interacts with our decision making or other aspects of our lives.
As in many other places of the bible, in this passage we’re reminded not to fear. A friend who is a pastor has shared that in the past, when he’s had to counsel members of his congregation about falling down conspiracy theory rabbit holes, he’s told them that over and over in the bible, we’re reminded not to fear. If you feel like you’re caught in a negativity spiral, ask yourself – does this line up with the bible telling us not to be afraid but trust in Jesus?
A song to consider – Fear not, for I am with you
Oliver Meehan
