On the Contrary
Good Morning,
On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9
One of the quickest ways to stir up trouble and disunity is to simply respond by doing what comes naturally. Doing what comes naturally disrupts a happy and healthy environment at home, work, church and every other place people need to interact together.
In 1 Peter, the writer is contrasting behaviors that exhibit the heart and character of God with those that don’t. Peter writes about things that are difficult. Submitting to others and authority. Submitting to our spouses. Laying down our rights for the good of others and the Kingdom. He talks about enduring hardship in ways that point people to the unfading hope we have in Christ.
These behaviors are only possible through a dying to us and coming alive to Christ. They require a perspective that is eternal not temporal. And they require a willingness to put justice in God’s hands, not take it into our own hands. Yet this is possible because according to Phil. 2:13, “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose”. His power in us is active and powerful.
In verse 9 above, Peter writes the words “on the contrary” and they instruct us to think, act and speak differently. Instead of holding on to our rights we are to surrender them for the benefit of others. Instead of lashing out with harsh words we are to say what is helpful for building others up. This requires a conscious and deliberate turning from what comes naturally to what only God can bring about in and through us.
In verse 8 of 1 Peter 3, he lists the characteristics that should flavor the lives of Christ Followers. These behaviors, while not natural, are possible supernaturally through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
- Live in harmony (be like minded or spirit of unity)
- Be sympathetic – being responsive to the needs of others, being sensitive and empathetic
- Love one another – a love beyond family; a love that draws people together
- Be compassionate – like sympathy, it is sensitive to the needs of others, but goes beyond that with a drive to help alleviate the need in some way
- Be humble – Awareness of ourselves before God. Not self-degrading, but confident in our identity in Christ and able to rejoice in the success of others
Does your life resemble that this morning?
Live this week on purpose,
Ron Klopfenstein
