Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Chronicles 24-26
     New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 3

But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame (1 Peter 3:14-16).

Peter expounds on an important spiritual principle of God’s grace in suffering, that the fear of the Lord conquers every other fear. As Christians, we face crises, and we are tempted to give in to our fears and make the wrong decisions. But if we regard Christ as Lord in our hearts, we need not fear people or circumstances.

We have all experienced times when life just isn’t fair. It’s on these occasions for which Peter suggests five responses of a mature Christian.

First, Consider Yourself Uniquely Blessed by God.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed (v14a).As far as the injustice itself is concerned, Peter’s surprising advice is, – Be Happy! Consider yourself Blessed! Christians can do something different from all the rest of humanity; we can respond to injustice with a positive attitude.

Second, Don’t Panic and Don’t Worry!
Do not fear them or be intimidated (v14b).
Peter is counseling us that even when trials are pressing in and people are trying to intimidate us, we can have calmness of spirit. We can be free from inner agitation and worry because we know God is on our side.

Third, Acknowledge Christ as Lord Even Over This Event!
but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy (v15a).We need to acknowledge Christ’s control over our unfair circumstances and do our best to see that He is glorified in them.

Fourth, Be Ready to Give a Witness!
ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (v15b).Every Christian should be able to give a reasoned defense of their hope in Christ, especially in hopeless situations. A crisis creates the opportunity for witnessing when a Believer behaves with faith and hope because the unbelievers will then sit up and take notice. Seldom will there be a more opportune time to share about God than when you are suffering and glorifying God through it.

Fifth, Keep a Good Conscience!
Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame (v16).
Here, Peter digs below the surface to our inner character of integrity. There is nothing more powerful, there is no more eloquent defense than a life continually lived in integrity. It alone has the power to silence your slanderers.