IV.
Today let’s focus on two things in this passage.

First, it is written to “Those who love life and to see good days…”

I wonder how many self-help books and seminars have promised to help folk get on top of those kinds of things?

Second, what does any of this have to do with his invitation to “in your heart sanctify Christ as Lord”?

With those competing thoughts in your mind, spend some time with this passage.

V.
1 Peter 3:8-17 (NRSVue)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 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 to love life
      and 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.”

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.

VI.
What is this passage about?

Is it a description of the “good life”? Is it a road-map for developing attitudes and activities that lead one to a “good life”?

Is it about the outward aspects of having a “good life”?

Or is it about the kind of “heart” that makes “good living” possible?

Where do we stand? Is our focus drawn to the outward or the inward?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}