I Peter 4:1-11

I Peter 4:1-11

What are we to make of the victory of Christ in which we share? Since Christ died physically, and we have shared that death in baptism, we are to no longer live by the principles of this sinful world. Persecution was and is going to be a part of the life of a disciple. Often the first break with the world that leads to persecution is not philosophical or theological but rather behavioral. Sinful people will often care little about what you believe; they will care deeply about how you behave and what your behavior says about them and their conduct. Our refusal to participate in the same sinful behavior is seen as a condemnation of that sin (which it is) and the condemnation of them personally (which it is not). While we may say, “Hate the sin and love the sinner,” they can't distinguish between the two. The sinful behavior is critical to their self-understanding as a person. One of the patterns we see in dysfunctional families or relationships is that while the individuals may recognize that they each have problems, when one of them begins to change and get better, those who are still dysfunctional turn on them and attack. They would rather see them continue in the dysfunction than see them well. Persecution is always personal and says a great deal about the persecutor.

In view of this reality, the community of faith is called to specific actions. In verse 7, Peter says that with clear heads and clear hearts, we are to pray. In fact, for the discipline of prayer, we need clear heads and clear hearts. If we have bad doctrine, theology, thinking, etc., or if we are emotionally unhealthy or spiritually sin-filled, our prayers are going to be misguided, selfish and therefore ineffective. What Peter says next is actually a bit surprising. How do we keep or grow hearts and heads that are clear? We do that by being in relationship with other believers. Being fervent in love, which is overpoweringly practical, is how we keep our minds sharp and our hearts clear. It begins with forgiving each other, then practically helping each other (hospitality, for example), and then serving with the gifts we have been given. Forgiving, loving, and helping are all under the influence of “fervent” mentioned in verse 8. This passionate word fervent describes the way a runner stretches out at the end of a sprint to win the race.

“Lord, help me to live faithfully in community so that I can have a clear mind and heart. AMEN”