1 Peter 3:13-17 It is the will of God that if we suffer we suffer for doing good and not evil!

 1 Peter 4:14–16

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters…

As followers of Jesus, our lives should reflect the truth of the New Testament that honors God. By loving God above the clamor of the world and loving others we rise by helping them. Every person born has the right to dignity and respect to do otherwise dishonors their Creator. God so loved the world that He created  that He gave His only begotten Son  to save all of us. True believers honor God in truth and the fruit of Holy Spirit will be evident in their lives. Carla

1 Peter 3:13-17

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when •they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. NKJV

Since not everything in the world functions as it should, even those who do God’s will may undergo suffering. Believers should make certain that when they suffer it is only because they have served God faithfully and not because they have done anything wrong (4:14, 15). God specially honors those who suffer for doing what is right (Matthew 5:10–12).

Believers should acknowledge the eternal holiness of Christ by revering Him as the Lord of the universe who is in control of all things. Peter assumes that the Christian faith will be falsely accused. He therefore encourages Christians to have rational answers to respond to those false accusations. 

Meekness is the same term translated gentle in verse 4. Meekness is not weakness. Scripture indicates that both Moses and Christ were meek men; however, they were certainly not weak men. Fear implies a high degree of reverence or respect.

Peter is not encouraging believers to seek out situations in which they will experience suffering. Instead, he is saying that believers should make certain that when they suffer it is the result of having been faithful to God rather than because they have done evil (2:19, 20). Suffering may be part of God’s perfect and wise plan for a believer. The NKJV Study Bible

Peter reiterates a point made in 1 Peter 2:20–21, stressing that those who persevere through unjust suffering are blessed by God. Jesus died a real, physical death and was raised to a new life. Faithlife Study Bible

Isaiah 8:12–13

“Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,

‘Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,

Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow;

Let Him be your fear,

And let Him be your dread.

1 Peter 2:19–3:1

For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God

1 Peter 2:15–16

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 

Matthew 5:10–12

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake…

We all know the feeling of “not belonging”. On the outside looking in.

Here’s my take: When we are beholden to a narrative that defeats us, (whatever disparages or belittles or shames), we are afraid. And when we live afraid, the script shackles us. We live defensive and angry. So, we don’t recognize that we have power inside to say how the story moves forward. (Not what. Because circumstances do happen. But we can say how. And sometimes we need the reminder. Okay, my confession, sometimes I need the reminder.) Here’s the deal: The story we carry inside will determine our resolve.

Too many people are disheartened by the political rancor of our time. Too many feel alone or afraid or anxious. Too many communities are split. And this is the story I want to carry.

First lesson: It takes courage to create safe places.
Where there is disquiet and uncertainty, we need safe squares. Places to be real. Place to disagree without vitriol. Places to step up and lead with our whole heart.
I can promise you that I will not sit still. I will choose to create sanctuaries where we can care for one another. Care for the marginalized and the vulnerable, those who are powerless and have been abused, those at the mercy of pain, and those on the outside looking in.  This we all have in common: at some point in our life, we speak from pain or sorrow or disappointment or regret or nakedness.

As I write this, thousands of people streamed onto the National Mall for a daylong prayer rally Sunday billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation under God.” And yes, it did send chills, not in a good way.

And I’m grateful for this comment from Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner (director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism), who noted the religious diversity of early America, including Jews, Muslims and Indigenous people. “I want to shine a light on America's history as a nation that welcomes, celebrates, and protects people of all faiths and those of no faith.”

Yes. Places where all are welcome.

Once we put up walls and barriers, we are fueled by fear.

Of “the other”. 

And I remember this comment from Pope Francis, “May America’s stature continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need who, like Lazarus, stand before our door... Because fear makes us cruel.”

And the second lesson: The script we carry does not get to say how the story ends. It is time for a new script. This is not just optimism or pretending. But drawing on internal reserve and fortitude.

I want to live in the land of the merciful and the kind. And I need to be reminded that I can still give each one of those things to the people around me.

So. I will write Sabbath Moment every day. For my own sanity.

I will fight for sanctuary for the broken and the lonely.
I choose to be a voice for compassion and mercy and second chances and healing and hope and grace and sanctuary and inclusiveness and restoration and kindness and bigheartedness.
I will remind us that…
Grace wins. Hope wins. Compassion wins.

Sabbath Moments