Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
Peter is very specific about how we should respond when we are misjudged and attacked. These attacks could come from outside the fellowship of believers, but he starts this section by urging Christians to 'love one another as brothers and sisters, and be kind and humble with one another' (verse 8). There are disagreements among believers as well.
However, he says, rather than seeking to defeat an enemy through argument, ridicule or getting more people on our side, we are to bless them. That doesn't mean we're to cave in when we're attacked for our faith – 'Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you,' he says, but 'do it with gentleness and respect' (15–16).
Today, we're faced with particular challenges. Many have lost respect for Christianity, partly because of our own failures but also because of fashionable attacks on the faith. It can be hard to remain confident in what we believe if we feel we're in a beleagured minority; it's tempting either to withdraw, or become defensive and hostile. That's a particular temptation in the age of social media, when a cutting or fiery retort is so easy to post. Peter calls us to be grace-full. If we're attacked, let it be for the right reasons; and when we are, let's remember that Christ was crucified, and pattern ourselves on him (verse 18).
God, give me confidence in you when I feel that I'm under siege and all alone. Help me to respond to criticism or attack with grace and courage, and to seek to bless those who oppose me.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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