Sunday, March 1

1 Peter 3:18-22

When I looked up the verse given me – 1 Peter 3:18-22 – I thought “What could I say about this, one of the main beliefs of the Christian faith?” Here I am, an “older”, almost a 90 year old person, a life long church member, and I don’t remember ever having read “Peter”.

So, I read all of 1 Peter, visualizing old Peter, writing this letter to a group of New Christians he had worked with, people who had given up a lot to take up this new faith. In verse 3:8 he gives them reminders of how to live their lives.

“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.”

This way of living is such a vital part of Christian life and a guide for us today. But suppose we really slip up and do harm? In verses 18-22 he reminds them of what Jesus did for them, the righteous and the unrighteous. There can be a new life, a fresh start. So, I read 1 Peter again and I think of those so different times long ago, and that the gift of a new faith that Jesus brought us is still here for us.