In our world, payback is expected. We want people that hurt us to experience the same kind of hurt they caused us. While this is the common school of thought in today’s world, this is not the way Christ followers are called to live. You see, instead of payback, Christ calls His people to show forgiveness and love to everyone, even our enemies. Even more, He demonstrated for us how to live this way throughout His ministry on earth.
As part of his teaching for how followers of Christ are called to live because of their relationships with Him, Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3, "All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude" (verse 8). In case readers thought that these instructions were just for people whom they like or they get along with, Peter continued, "Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you" (verse 9). This teaching is completely counter-cultural. You see, the world encourages payback and retaliation. Instead, Peter calls us not to retaliate or pay back those who have hurt us but instead to "pay them back with a blessing" (verse 9).
Perhaps as Peter wrote these words in 1 Peter, Peter remembered Jesus’ example of showing love and kindness instead of retaliation shortly before his death in John 18. In this passage of Scripture, “the leading priests and Pharisees” had sent “a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards” to arrest Jesus (verse 3). As they approached Jesus, Peter “drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave” (verse 10). Peter was ready to defend Jesus and fight against their enemies who had come to arrest Him. Jesus taught Peter and His disciples a different way to live. After Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave, He said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” (verse 11). Luke 22 gives us further insight into this encounter, telling us that Jesus actually healed this man’s ear, too (verse 51). In a moment when He could have let this man who was arresting Him get what he deserved, Jesus chose to heal and forgive. What an example He set for us!
Although this world teaches retaliation and payback, we are called to live differently. We are called to forgive and to bless our enemies. When we live this way, we experience peace and show others an example of the incredible, healing, and forgiving love of Christ.
Who do you need to forgive today? It is time today to let go of anger and bitterness and forgive that person. This does not mean that what they did to hurt you is okay. It does, however, mean letting go of the angry feelings and desire for retaliation you may have. Take a step toward forgiveness today. Don't forget to ask God to help you as you seek to move toward forgiveness.
In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.
3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say,
“If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
against those who do evil.”
Suffering for Doing Good
13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
19 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— 20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.
