Devotion: 1 Peter 3:11

1 Peter 3:11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.  

Last week we covered a verse from Psalm 34 that spoke of this exact verse. We explored it on the 19th, learning that David used his experience escaping from a Philistine King as a means of teaching people how to live a life of righteousness and peace.  This verse is the direct quote from that psalm where Peter provided readers with practical advice on how to respond to hostility, choosing instead to live a blessed, fulfilling life in Christ.

Since we already explored the theological impact and the life application of the verse, what new insight can we glean from the Apostle Peter today? A look at the context in which this verse was quoted gives us additional insight that can help us shape our actions and behaviors.

We see that in 1 Peter 3:9, the Apostle Peter instructed believers not to seek revenge on those who have hurt them and not to return insults hurled in their direction. Instead, believers are to return insults with blessing. This is similar to the instructions Jesus gave during His earthly ministry when He said turn the other cheek. It is our natural, fleshly response to want to return evil for evil, but we have been called to love others and to heap coals on their head (give blessing instead of cursing).

These behaviors are not just options we choose. They are requirements. Note that Peter says we MUST do these things. Believers must turn from evil and do good. We must make peace, which is always a more difficult choice than responding with negativity, slander, or gossip. We must choose to do good, to do what is right, to build others up instead of tearing them down. That is how we walk the path of righteous living instead of trodding a course of destruction and negativity.

Peter also encouraged believers when they faced suffering. He pointed out that if they suffer for doing good they are actually blessed (1 Peter 3:13-14). We don’t usually associate blessing with persecution. We see it as a negative, but he said it is a blessing so not to have fear of the threats of the world. We have a God who loves us and protects us, who blesses us for pursuing a life of righteousness in His Name.

Let us continue to pursue peace and live a life worthy of His calling. Seek Him and His ways in every situation and interaction. And trust Him to guide your steps as you do.

Prayer: Lord, I want to pursue peace in my days. I don’t want to resort to negativity or destructive behaviors. Let my words bless others and build them up instead of tearing them down. Amen

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