1 Peter 3:8-15
A Witness to God in Us

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 life
        and desire 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 reverence.

New Revised Standard Version

In this passage, Peter makes a convincing argument, in a beautiful way, for how we are called to live our lives as a witness of the love of God for us. This passage is essential for anyone seeking to share the Good News with other people... and that should include all Believers!

His opening remark sets the foundation. We are to show the world that we all are saved by the same Jesus Christ, and that our differences are minor compared to the fundamental unity. We are attentive to other people, both within our Christian family and outside. We are to have a "tender heart", always open to the needs of others, and a "humble mind", not one that is judgemental and closed. If Peter were writing that last part with today's vernacular, he would urge us to be good, active listeners, showing a sincere interest and compassion for others!

Peter goes beyond just being kind to others, and references the teachings of Jesus when he calls us to repay evil with blessings. To convice us of the importance of this lifestyle, he provides three references. The first is an extended quotation from Psalm 34 about the urgency of a righteous life. The second is a paraphrase from the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in the blessings we will receive when we suffer for doing right. The third is from Isaiah, a call not to be intimidated and fearful as we live in God's Way.

Out of that lifestyle comes the witnessing. We are to live in this way: not fearful of what causes others to fear, showing compassion for other people, repaying evil with good, seeking and pursuing peace, and living out righteousness. People are going to be baffled, anxious, or at least curious about what is so different in us than in them. Peter says be ready to answer, intelligently and convincingly (to "make our case"), when they do, and to base the wisdom of our answer and our confidence in that answer in Jesus Christ. We want to be sincere in sharing the love we have found in Jesus. We want to share our answer with gentleness, showing that same compassion for the one who wants to know our story. (Peter says there's no room for beating anyone over the head with the Bible!) Most of all, we want to answer, and live, always in reverence for God, so that our questioners will see God in us more than they see us!