Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
In 1 Peter 3:13 the apostle asks, “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” (ESV). Actually, there are plenty of people ready to bring harm on those who are zealous for what is good. It’s a tragically widespread issue. Our Western society these days seems to have long waiting lines of people, eager to engage in hate and to show anger. They call what is evil good and what is good evil, then they attack anyone who pursues truth, beauty, and goodness. It’s sad.
Even if that hatred and abuse is poured out on us, though, we can know that the Lord is good. We don’t fear those who would persecute us for righteousness’ sake. We know that Jesus is the holy Lord and that he has given us a living and eternal hope.
What is our calling, in light of this passage? We are called to do good, to hope in what is good, and to realize that all good centers in Jesus, the savior of the world. He is the holy one in whom we find the hope of the resurrection to eternal life. Nobody can take that away from us.
In light of that knowledge, also, we guard our tongues and pursue peace, as we read in verses 10-11. This is for the good of our neighbor, as it shows the hope of the Christian even in this lost and evil world. Will there be opposition? Certainly, but we can know that Jesus has overcome his opponents and leads the way to eternity.
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