1 Peter 3:8-12 We can have peace in the midst of protecting the vulnerable!

1 Peter 3:8-12 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For 

“He who would love life 

And see good days, 

Let him refrain his tongue from evil, 

And his lips from speaking deceit. 

11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; 

Let him seek peace and pursue it. 

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, 

And His ears are open to their prayers; 

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Revelation 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

The book of life contains all those who believe in the only begotten Son of God and rest in His salvation by faith in Him alone. The only One who can save us from the Lake of Fire is JESUS. The only thing that can separate us from God is our unbelief in Him. 

John 3:18  “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

We can rest in His peace knowing that it is beyond our human understanding but that it is able to be drawn on in all the details of our lives. Knowing Holy Spirit is able to get us safely home we can rest! Carla

Peter calls his readers to inherit a blessing through unity, love, and upright conduct, and to repay evil with good (Luke 6:28; Romans 12:14). Here, Peter quotes Psalm 34:12–16 to emphasize his point that believers are called to be a blessing to the world. The larger context seems to indicate that believers are meant to live the words of this psalm through their long-suffering, so that the evil of the world may be gradually changed. Faithlife Study Bible

Peter encourages Christians to act like the Lord Jesus. He endured suffering and ridicule in silence, entrusting His just cause to the ultimate Judge (2:23). Peter emphasizes the contrast between our natural tendency as human beings, to get even when we are offended, with the way we should act as believers: returning good to those who hurt us (Ephesians 4:25, 29). Christ will reward us for any suffering we endure in His name (Matthew 5:10–12; 19:27–30). Peter uses the imagery of eyes and ears to remind his readers that God knows everything about believers, especially their suffering, and that He listens and responds to their cries for help (Hebrews 4:12–16). In direct contrast to God’s all-knowing and all-caring interest in His children who serve Him, He is diametrically opposed to those who do not follow His path of righteousness.

Psalm 34:12–16 

Who is the man who desires life,

And loves many days, that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil,

And your lips from speaking deceit…

1 Corinthians 4:12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 

Romans 12:16–18 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men…

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

When we feel besieged and persecuted, it can be hard to recognize the hand of God at work. Acts 8:1-25 is a great reminder that God is always active, even in devastating situations and in places we might not expect. Let's hold tightly to God's goodness and lean on His Spirit and His Word, where we find assurance that He is in control and is victorious over the brokenness of this world. Truly, "all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). First5

I find refuge and strength in Psalm 46:10-11: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” I sometimes find myself worried and anxious about national and international issues over which I have absolutely no control. These verses encourage me to “be still” (ESV) or “stop striving” (NASB) in situations that are out of my hands but firmly in His hands. I am comforted by the assurance that God is with us, He is our fortress, and He will be glorified and exalted. Katrina Rolen