Suffering is a universal reality. Some of it happens through no fault of our own, some of it is the result of our own sinful choices or those of others. It is a reality in every human life, precisely because of the reality of sin. Evil is real, and its natural enemy is the good. Sometimes it can become an overwhelming reality as close as within our own hearts, our homes, our neighborhoods, or cities, and sometimes it can become an overwhelming reality for an entire nation. In every case, we have choices. We can choose to be indifferent to the evil around us, which only empowers it; or, we can choose to cooperate with it, believing that somehow we will avoid its consequences; or, we can choose to stand up against it, to challenge it with the power of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognizes this and challenges us with some powerful considerations in this third chapter of his First Letter.
To understand Peter, here we should first look to the Gospels. Jesus is always our model. Peter addresses us as a spiritual father in his letters, but also as one who knows what the struggle toward discipleship is like from his own experience. He knows what it is like to stumble, to fall, and, more importantly, to recover. He knows the healing power of God’s mercy. He understands from experience that the narrow way of Jesus is hard and that our wills are weakened by temptation and sin. He knows the depth of courage that is necessary to fight the good fight. And he knows that, as Christians, living in a world broken and battered by sinful choices and behaviors, our own, and those of others, we must be prepared and ready for the unexpected suffering that may come our way for choosing to do what is truly good in the face of wrongdoing.
Peter doesn’t leave us to our own devices here. He gives us direction. For us today, it is clear that we must spend more focused time reading the scriptures, praying alone and with others. We must consult with and support one another so that we are ready to put up a defense against those who would challenge our faith or who demand an explanation for why we believe what we do. We must prepare and discipline ourselves in the faith, in clarity of mind, and courage of heart, to be able to willingly suffer for doing the good in a world that defies it. Peter tells us that we must have “a unity of spirit within ourselves that is marked by sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (v. 8). These virtues are a matter of hard work within ourselves that must be earned in the light of the Gospel. In the end, they will be the result of grace and our humble and knowing willingness to surrender our wills to the will of God, who wills the good for all.
How are we to confront evil, then? Peter gives us some answers here. “Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called, that you might inherit a blessing, ‘For those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (vs. 9-12). Does this not remind us of the Sermon on the Mount? We see this wisdom in the Psalms as well. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in men: It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes” (Ps. 118: 8-9).
The Holy Spirit seems to consider this a very important duty on the part of one who seeks to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, for we see this message elsewhere, too. “…proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching” (2 Tim. 4: 1-2). And, “Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them” (Eph. 5: 11). And because Jesus is our example in all of these things, we must recognize that, in doing the good, in courageously confronting evil with God’s word, reprimanding those who do evil, encouraging and teaching them with great patience, we may very well suffer the wrath of those who do evil, just as Jesus did.
This problem of evil and all of its offspring, lies, cruelty, and injustice, has been seen in every age. Indeed, it is what Jesus confronted and suffered for in his own time, for all time. Wherever the ravages and cruelties of evil are present, even now, Christians are called upon to have the faith, the courage, and the commitment to stand up before it, publicly, to challenge it, to reprimand it, and to teach it with the power of the Good News of Jesus Christ, even if it means that we will suffer greatly for doing so. This is true love in real action.
Lord, in our weakness, we ask you to make us strong in faith, courageous enough to stand up against wrongdoing, even when we are threatened with suffering for our loyalty to your Word and your commandment to love all others, even our enemies. We pray this in your most holy name. Amen.
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