By Mungki A. Sasmita
Read: 1 Peter 3:8-18
“Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (v. 15)
You may have seen an advertisement that says, “We don’t make promises, we give proof.” What the ad is trying to say is that promises can be broken, but not when proof is provided. Proof is more convincing than just promises.
Peter had a lot of advice for the church that received his letter. Christians at that time were experiencing oppression and slander. Despite these conditions, he encouraged them that they should live holy lives and do what is right. Such a way of life not only proves the existence of salvation in believers, but also shows the strength of the hope maintained by them.
This hope was related to the belief that God would surely help them and give them strength, so that they would not be defeated by the various pressures and oppressions they experienced. This is what Peter meant when he said, “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
As Christians living today, we may also face challenges and difficulties because of our faith. Let us not give up. Let us not think of returning evil with evil. Instead, let us continue to do what is good and right. By doing so, we show that there is salvation in us and also hope in all circumstances.
As you pray, ask God to give you the strength to continue doing good, even in the face of evil.
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Mungki A. Sasmita is a pastor of Sangkrah Indonesian Christian Church in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia. This devotional was previously published in Wasiat, a bi-monthly daily devotional for families, produced by Words of Hope ministry partners in Indonesia.
Read: 1 Peter 3:8-18
“Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (v. 15)
You may have seen an advertisement that says, “We don’t make promises, we give proof.” What the ad is trying to say is that promises can be broken, but not when proof is provided. Proof is more convincing than just promises.
Peter had a lot of advice for the church that received his letter. Christians at that time were experiencing oppression and slander. Despite these conditions, he encouraged them that they should live holy lives and do what is right. Such a way of life not only proves the existence of salvation in believers, but also shows the strength of the hope maintained by them.
This hope was related to the belief that God would surely help them and give them strength, so that they would not be defeated by the various pressures and oppressions they experienced. This is what Peter meant when he said, “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
As Christians living today, we may also face challenges and difficulties because of our faith. Let us not give up. Let us not think of returning evil with evil. Instead, let us continue to do what is good and right. By doing so, we show that there is salvation in us and also hope in all circumstances.
As you pray, ask God to give you the strength to continue doing good, even in the face of evil.
—————
Mungki A. Sasmita is a pastor of Sangkrah Indonesian Christian Church in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia. This devotional was previously published in Wasiat, a bi-monthly daily devotional for families, produced by Words of Hope ministry partners in Indonesia.
