1 Peter 3: verses 8-9 (NIV)
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter Chapter 3: Verses 15-16 (NIV)
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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
These verses in Peter’s letter made me think once again of how we react to those who are at best negative or at worst aggressive to our faith. Those who are most active against it are the same people who will also say, “You do you”. I dislike that phrase but its one I hear very often these days. But in reality, those who often say that when talking of faith actually mean, “you must agree with what I want.” These are the people who are the least likely to set foot in a church. We must be very mindful therefore not to rise to the bait in the face of insults. It can be very upsetting, especially when we hear them belittling what Jesus suffered, and the redemptive work of the cross, but insulting them and their beliefs will not change their opinions. There were times which we know well in the Gospels where we see that Jesus remained silent in the face of insults, as well as times when he reproached teachers and leaders for their behaviour. We need to be wise about the times to respond and the times to be silent.
In his own thoughts on today’s New Testament portion in the “Bible In One Year” Nicky Gumbel tells us to “train yourself always to speak positively and truthfully.” I have no difficulty with the truthful part, but know that I can often have a negative attitude in certain situations. Being able to speak positively in the face of others’ negativity takes effort; Nicky Gumbel says it requires training. So, let’s remember not to have a bad attitude about some of the things people say to us, or how they treat us, but follow Peter’s teaching and treat people with gentleness, respect and a clear conscience. Peter learned from previous experience didn’t he. In the early days of Jesus’ Ministry, He was often quick to speak and criticise, but he changed as the Holy Spirit moved in His life. We too must leave it up to God to deal with negative and critical behaviour towards our faith. That’s not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to reflect the attitude and behaviour of Christ.
Dear Lord,
I ask for Your wisdom and guidance when being in a position of giving an answer for the hope which I have. May I be quick to take that opportunity, but do so with gentleness and respect as Peter teaches. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.