June 7 ~ 1 Peter 3:13-16

13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[a]; do not be frightened."[b] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. I Peter 3:13-16 (NIV)

If I am striving toward doing good and desiring to obey God with my life, who can harm me? Generally people are not harmed for doing good or doing acts of kindness. In my marriage, my husband certainly would NOT do anything to harm me to repay my servant attitude and kind words. However, much harm could come if I disregard how the Bible tells me to live and if I ignore God's plan for my life as a wife and mother. Harm in the form of broken relationships, resentment, bitterness, disrespect.

Peter says here that even if we do suffer for doing good, or God's will, we are blessed. (Matthew 5:10-12 talks about being persecuted for Christ's sake.) God will bless those who are persecuted for doing His will and standing up for what's right in God's sight. We are not to fear what the world fears - death, sickness, natural disasters, or little things such as finding a job, buying a house, stressing over busy schedules, or worrying our husband might make a wrong decision :). Instead, we are commanded to fear God. Remember who He is and what He's given us!

We are to make a commitment to Christ and make Him Lord of our live. Live life centered around that commitment. Be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope you have. How can I be prepared? Read, study, and pray, and study more. How do we give an answer to those people? With gentleness and respect, not arrogantly or boastful. We didn't stumble upon these answers on our own strength. They were graciously revealed to us by the Holy Spirit from His Word.

Keep a clear conscience in speaking and giving an answer so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. We have a weak testimony if our answer is delivered with a hotty attitude or proud words. Christ was humble always; firm and unwavering, but truthful in love. Has our harsh answers or arrogant attitude gotten us anywhere with our husbands? I know it's not very effective communication when used against me. I need to remember to let the Holy Spirit do the convicting in their heart. God, please harness my tongue and help me speak in love to everybody.