1 Peter 3:8-12

1 Peter 3:8-12

Persecution for the faith was a daily reality for the readers of this letter. During the time of Nero, when this letter was written, persecution was not yet highly organized and systematic the way it would be in years to come. But it was bad, and it would get worse. Under such pressure, the community of faith might fragment and turn on itself unless the whole community had developed the interpersonal skills rooted and found in love. Love is not an emotion or a feeling over which we have no control. Rather, love is an action taken for the benefit of another. Peter lists five actions in verse 8 that are critical for the well-being of a community, especially when facing external pressures. And all the relationships that Peter has addressed in previous chapters—relationships with authorities, non-believers, masters, employees, and husbands and wives—have the same basic principle that can apply. It should be noted that such behaviors could be practiced and will become more refined and improved by daily use. In the moment of persecution and pressure, we can't expect to be especially good at something with which we have no experience. So for our own benefit and the benefit of others, we must begin immediately to practice the positive traits and refrain from the negative behaviors that we see in verses 8 and 9. 

Peter in verse 9 says we were called for the purpose that we might inherit a blessing. We must not miss this point. Our inheriting the blessings God has for us is tied to this generous and gracious behavior and life. The five actions in verse 8 and the refusal to do harm and instead give a blessing in verse 9 are the means by which God intends to pour blessings into our lives. Not by claiming and demanding that God bless us, but by living out love towards others. Peter quotes Psalm 34 to illustrate his point and to serve as an example. David was a man well acquainted with unjust persecution. The historical context of the song is when David, running from Saul, goes to the court of Abimelech. Rather than a place of security, David finds himself again in danger. As God's chosen and anointed king, David may have felt the urge to call down curses on Saul and Abimelech. But he tells us that the secret to securing blessings is the path of righteous behavior. The Lord watches the righteous and answers their prayers.

“Lord, let my life be marked by holy actions that will prepare me for hard times. AMEN”