Living the blessing

In 1 Peter 4:12-19, Peter writes the following…

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

I think Christians often take this to mean they should attack and condemn those who do not live the right way. We might take the language of “judgment” as an invitation to serve as judge and jury for “sinners.”

What if that’s wrong?

What if we missed the point?

What if Peter’s real point is the just opposite?

What if Peter meant we would suffer for loving the sinner? What if he was telling us to commit to do good to extend grace to the sinner?

Jesus was insulted for eating with sinners and tax collectors. He was looked down on for spending time with prostitutes. He was willing to touch the unclean and socialize with Samaritan women.

The Pharisees seemed offended by his actions and plotted to kill him.

Let’s be honest. The church often looks more like the Pharisees than the one whose name we bear.

Let us proudly wear the name Christian not because we alienate, condemn, or exclude, but because we welcome, love, and embrace.

In Genesis 12, God tells Abram:

I will make you into a great nation,

            and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

            and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,

            and whoever curses you I will curse;

and all peoples on earth

            will be blessed through you.

 

Maybe it’s time for the people of God to remember that they are not blessed because they are special, but rather they are blessed because they are chosen to be a blessing to the world.

Jesus came to show God’s people what it looks like to be a blessing. May we have the humility and wisdom to, in the words of Peter, commit ourselves to our faithful Creator and continue to do good.

shine!
Jason