Read 1 PETER 3:8–12
Social media has intensified the scope of public insults. While politicians and celebrities have traded public barbs for centuries, today millions of followers on Facebook or Instagram can follow the barrage of insults in real time. Some websites have started lists such as “Top Ten Twitter Wars!” or “The Ten Most Epic Celebrity Twitter Fights!”
Our natural reaction when attacked is to strike back. We want to win the Twitter war. We want to have the last word. We want to hurt the other guy worse than he hurt us. Our text for today challenges us to the standard of salvation living instead. All of us— both the most and the least powerful in our society—should live in a way that follows the example of Jesus and blesses others (v. 8).
First, the community of believers should be characterized by love, humility, compassion, and harmony. As Peter will discuss in much of the rest of this letter, Christians will encounter opposition from others. All the more important, then, that hostility, pride, and discord be rooted out from the church. We are called to emulate the character of Christ, and these qualities of love and humility are essential for Christian community to support one another and be a witness to the world.
Next, Peter addresses the Christian response to attacks from those outside the church. New Testament scholars describe these insults as “weapons typically employed in . . . publicly shaming and discrediting those who are different or regarded as one’s competitors.” Peter draws from Psalm 34 to remind believers that the ultimate audience for their speech is the Lord, not their accusers (vv. 10–12). Instead of responding with insults to defend their honor, believers should respond with a blessing, knowing that God will hear and defend them.
APPLY THE WORD
Winning a battle of insults is worth less than inheriting the blessing of God (v. 9). As a way to help form your heart and mind toward love and humility, consider committing verses 10 through 12 to memory. This process of memorizing and meditating on Scripture can remind us to focus on the Lord, not our opponents.
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 