This verse sounds like we’ll be forever protected from harm if we are seeking to do good; doesn’t it?

This is why we don’t just read one verse and plow ahead firm in our convictions of what it says.

When we read the verses surrounding these, we see Peter is writing about suffering for doing good. It’s as if he’s saying, “It doesn’t make sense that people would harm you when all you’re doing is what’s right and good.” The next verse, though. It starts with a BUT.

(When we use “but,” we’re challenging what was just said.)

But even if… (that’s verse 14) “even if you suffer for doing what is right…” kinda sounds like we’re not always going to be lauded for our kindness or goodness. Sounds like even when we try to protect and defend others, we’ll be vilified and considered evil.

The answer is found there in verse 14: God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

How many times throughout history and before our very eyes have we seen believers striving to do good for their communities only to be struck down, threatened, even killed for doing so? Do we say God rewarded them with pain, shame, or even death? Not at all!

We say God rewarded them with Himself!

Followers of Jesus, if you are eagerly seeking to do good and “they” tell you to stop, even threaten you if you don’t stop, remember that your reward will come from God, not these people you can see. Some here might applaud you, but God offers you His presence. His crowns. His peace. Rewards that are much bigger than the life we know.

Always seek the Lord. Always follow His will. Even if mankind tells you to stop. Especially if mankind tells you to stop! They need to know the One True and Living God and we’re the ones who have the redemption message to share.

Keep walking upright in the faith, my friends. Keep serving the Lord wholeheartedly. Keep eagerly doing good according to His will and don’t worry about what others say. Always choose God and His will.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.