4-21-21   THOUGHTS

The passage below has such great things to say about our needful behavior. We must note that the whole setting and context is CONFLICT!  It is people treating the Christian badly or unfairly.
Verse 14b says “DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, “
This is where we are to “give an answer for the reason for the hope that lies within us.”  These are not easy thoughts we share, but we dare not dismiss them as unattainable!  
1Pet 3:8-18     To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9  not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 10  For, "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. 11  "HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. 12  "FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL." [Ps 34:12-16] 13  Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14  But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15  but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; [Isa 8:12-13]  16  and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17  For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18  For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
Eph 6:13   Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

My Prayer:
Father God, we need the armor of your word written on our hearts.  Would you help us each day as we seek you.  May our prayers come to you from pure and contrite hearts.  We beg your presence in our lives always.  Be our strength in difficult times.  May our actions speak your love in all things and at all times.  We praise you O God for all that gives us hope.  
In the name of Jesus    Amen