Provision of God
God is not only almighty but He is merciful as well. The mercy of God provided us every thing for our Spiritual enrichment and for our material fulfillment. The God who is holy expects us to be holy in this world ( 1:15 ). He judges every one impartially ( 1:17 ). The power of God shields us in times of trial and temptations (1:5). The righteous one died for the unrighteous ones. In incarnation, Jesus became human, at cross he became spiritual and at resurrection He became divine (3:18-21). Jesus suffered and set an example for us (Not to retaliate, not to make threats using our powers) and He bore our sins, enabling us to die to sin and live for righteous ness(2:23,24). God of all grace who called us to His eternal glory in Christ will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever ( 5:10 )
Healthy interpersonal relationships
As a matured and experienced Christian, Peter understood the need for healthy interpersonal relationships; we are advised by him to
1) Love one another deeply (1:22; 3:8; 2:17; 4:
We are expected to love deeply from the heart. Our purification has to inspire and motivate us to love others. It is worthy to remind ourselves that we are commanded by Jesus Christ to love God and love our neighbors.
2) Submit to authority (2:3; 3:1; 5:5)
As Christian we are advised to submit to every authority instituted-national, social, secular, family, hierarchical etc. We ought to be submissive to others as we submit to God.
3) Respect and honour others (2:17; 3:7)
We have to give proper respect to everyone irrespective of caste, creed, colour and social status and should not fail to extend gratitude and honour to those who deserves it. We should not look down on others because of their shortcomings, failures, etc
4) Live in harmony with one another ( 3:18)
Christians are expected to be promoters of peace, harmony etc. We need to lead by example in times of conflicts and contradictions. The type of love expressed in Bible is loving even the enemies and those doing harm to us. When our dear and near ones go through times of pain and suffering, we would have to empathize and sympathize with them
5) Do not retaliate (3:9)
The heart of retaliation is normal and common but we need to reflect the character of God, who does not punish us when we fail to live according to His expectations. He wants us to be doers of good even to those who harm us.
6) Offer hospitality (4:9)
It refers to friendly and generous behavior towards visitors and guests. Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining. Hospitality focuses on guest and their needs – place, food, listening to them etc.
Stand firm in faith
(Reference 1pet 1:5; 3:15; 5:9; 5:12)
Faith in Bible also refers to the set of basic beliefs /convictions of Christian. Jude writes to his readers to contend for the faith given to the saints (Believers in Christ) . As a Christian our belief differs from Non- Christians in many ways. We believe in eternal life, saviour hood and Lordship of Jesus Christ, resurrection from the death, divinity of Jesus Christ etc., Lot of things and issues in the world and in us can act towards shaking our faith in God but we are advised to stand firm – Strong and steadfast in faith. Dedication and determination are required to achieve the same. We also need to know why we believe, what we believe and be prepared and ready to answer those, who questions our faith.
Suffering
Reference : 1peter 4: 1, 13, 16,19 ;5:7
Peter wrote this epistle to suffering Christians, encouraging them to stand firm in the faith when their faith in Christ was challenged by problems and persecutions from near and dear ones, from the followers of adverse faith etc. The sufferings could be persecutions for righteousness, because of misunderstandings, defamations, despising, troubles, afflictions, distresses, tumults, labours, wrong reports, reproaches etc. The cause of problems in the world is similar to both Christians and non-Christians. Belief in Christ does not guarantee freedom from problems and sufferings in this world. In fact, the call to Christians to follow Christ is to bear cross daily and walk along with Christ in the path of mental tortures, physical pains, insults and mockeries. Paul also writes that those choose to walk godly in this world will face problems and sufferings. Jesus never promised rosy life to His followers in this world.
Then the question is ” How do we respond to sufferings? When we suffer instead of showcasing our power, we are told to imitate Christ – in Forgiveness, Meekness, Gentleness etc. The Scriptures ask the readers to consider the sufferings joyfully and bear the pain without murmuring. It does not mean that we have to choose suffering and go for it but we should equip ourselves with right attitude so that we will not slip from the faith when we encounter sufferings, losses and failures in this life. As Jesus cares for us, we are encouraged to cast our burdens and anxieties on Him, who frees and fills us with peace and joy
Humility
Reference: 1Peter 3:8; 5:5,6
We are told to clothe ourselves with humility, humble ourselves before the Lord etc. Humility would denote, not being proud or arrogant but having the spirit of submission. God respects humble ones (IS 66:2). Humility is not denying the power, one have. It is the knowledge and demonstration that what we are (or we have) today is because of the contribution from various others (Known or unknown) in direct/indirect way. Humility is a vital godly character that God expects in us. We ought to practice humility consciously and consistently
