Monday Meditation

1 Peter 3:9-17

9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 

I know when this happens, my first instinct is to defend myself and convince the other person that they are just plain wrong. Really though, this should be my first clue that I don't have the mind of Christ because if I did, I would see the person and their motives for acting wrongly and pity them.

10 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 

Aaaargh! This is a tough battle. Just last week, I got in a complaining mood and instead of edifying the conversation, I nuked it. Not a good testimony.

11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 

If we all could do this, our world would be different.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 

I don't want His face against me and I want His ears open to my prayers.

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 

Harm us? Unlikely. Make fun of us? More likely. I am willing to risk it though.

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 

God is fair and just. If you suffer for doing right, then He has a purpose for it...always.

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 

Let your light shine before everyone, not in a haughty way but in an inspiring way point them to Him that can do a work in their heart.

16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 

Those who make fun of those seeking to serve the Lord in all that they do, reflects poorly on them and their aim which is to bring you down to their level so they don't have to put forth the effort to rise to your level.

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 

In the end, you will be better off .