1 Peter 3:16
Keeping a clear conscious, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
I love that the word 'maliciously' is used here....not bad, not wrongly, not harsh but maliciously about our be behavior. Spoken with the intent and full-well knowledge of bringing evil and harm. And we are instructed to be gentle, have respect and a clear conscious......wow.
So what about the times when we are wronged that aren't malicious? Gentleness and respect. Again, we are to expect this to happen.....we shouldn't be surprised but rather be prepared so that we can respond through Christ's love and not our own bare emotions.
I can think of twice when I have been what I would "rate" as maliciously attacked by words in my life. I hate to say that both times I was ill-prepared, shocked and, frankly, quite upset that someone would talk to me like that.... My response was neither gentle or respectful but probably more on the side of indignant. And then I come to Peter's writings.....and I should have known....it will happen....it will.
We fight not against flesh and blood....it goes deeper than that. The Light that shines in you will make those who are not believers feel uncomfortable at times.....it will. Be ready for it. Be gentle, kind and respectful so that when the malicious words "make a full circle" they will come up empty and your accusers will be left with their false words and your witness as a believer will still be strong.
One of my situations has come full circle.....the other, I have got to keep Peter's words hidden in my heart, mind and soul..... I think of Christ as He was ridiculed time and time again....He looked neither right or left but stayed focused on the Father......so that they might know Him also.....even those who cause us the most pain....even them.
Keeping a clear conscious, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
I love that the word 'maliciously' is used here....not bad, not wrongly, not harsh but maliciously about our be behavior. Spoken with the intent and full-well knowledge of bringing evil and harm. And we are instructed to be gentle, have respect and a clear conscious......wow.
So what about the times when we are wronged that aren't malicious? Gentleness and respect. Again, we are to expect this to happen.....we shouldn't be surprised but rather be prepared so that we can respond through Christ's love and not our own bare emotions.
I can think of twice when I have been what I would "rate" as maliciously attacked by words in my life. I hate to say that both times I was ill-prepared, shocked and, frankly, quite upset that someone would talk to me like that.... My response was neither gentle or respectful but probably more on the side of indignant. And then I come to Peter's writings.....and I should have known....it will happen....it will.
We fight not against flesh and blood....it goes deeper than that. The Light that shines in you will make those who are not believers feel uncomfortable at times.....it will. Be ready for it. Be gentle, kind and respectful so that when the malicious words "make a full circle" they will come up empty and your accusers will be left with their false words and your witness as a believer will still be strong.
One of my situations has come full circle.....the other, I have got to keep Peter's words hidden in my heart, mind and soul..... I think of Christ as He was ridiculed time and time again....He looked neither right or left but stayed focused on the Father......so that they might know Him also.....even those who cause us the most pain....even them.
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