This week, Pastor Luke led us through 1 Peter 2: 18-25.
This passage introduces a section of the book that talks about household codes and answers the question: how do we honor God and suffer well where we are at, specifically in the context of slavery, marriage and government.
It speaks about turning the other cheek and responding to mistreatment and false accusations with humility, forgiveness, love and service.
This is not a natural human response, as we love to retaliate, get revenge, justify our actions, defend ourselves and fight back. We hate to look weak, and letting false accusations come against us is very difficult.
However, the response that the Lord calls us to is not one of weakness, but great strength as it is actually much more difficult to respond to suffering with restraint, forgiveness and unconditional love and respect for others.
How can we do this? By looking to Jesus, and just as He did – trusting the one who judges justly (v.23).
Three points to help us hope as we suffer unjustly:
1. God sees you and will help you.
Do not look at your situation, look to God and trust Him.
2. You will be rewarded
The Word makes it clear that we will be rewarded for our faithfulness, and our worst misery could very well be our best ministry.
3. You are imitating Jesus.
We can do this BECAUSE of Jesus. He is both our example and our empowerment.
