Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him 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.” . . . but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect . . . 1 PETER 3:8–12, 15

In his letter, the apostle Peter addresses the issue of how churches in Asia Minor should respond to the rising persecution against Christian believers. The early church was most likely reluctant to reach those who were persecuting them and tell unbelievers about God’s goodness and holiness. But they—and us—are not to back down in loving people and telling them about the good news of the gospel.

Just as “tart words make no friend; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar,”* Christians can reach others with love more than strife, joy more than debates, and grace more than religion. With kindness, graciousness, patience, and respect, there is a greater possibility that people will be willing to listen to the gospel of Christ. The love of God is to be reflected in how we approach and treat others. More so, our way of life reflects our relationship with Jesus.

In the second century AD, Tertullian, an early church father, said that the Roman government was suspicious of the Christian churches and how they were growing. They even sent spies into the church to see what was happening. One spy reported back: “These Christians are very strange. They meet together in an empty room to worship. They do not have an image. They speak of one by the name of Jesus, who is absent, but whom they seem to be expecting at any time. And my, how they love Him and how they love one another.”**

In our communities, followers of Jesus are set apart to reflect God, declare the gospel, and demonstrate His love. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors and enemies. He said that people will know that we are His disciples if we love one another. God’s love is for us and our relatives, neighbors, classmates, officemates, friends, and even our enemies and those far from God. Our job is to trust and obey Him, faithfully walking with Him and proclaiming Him.

Respond:

1) Reflect on your own life. Do you think your words and actions are more like a gallon of vinegar or a spoonful of honey? What do you think God is doing in your life in order for more people to turn to Him?

2) Identify your circles of influence. How do you think you can advance God’s kingdom in your community?

Faith Step:

Ask God and some friends in church how you can reflect God’s love and be a blessing to your community.

Pray:

Jesus,

no words can express my gratitude toward

You for accepting and loving a sinner like

me. Help me to reflect Your goodness and

faithfulness to the people around me.

Reveal to me what needs to change in me,

and what needs to be kept in my approach,

so that others may hear and respond to the

good news of the gospel. Keep me in step

with Your Spirit and give me the courage

to respond righteously as You open doors

in my community to preach the gospel and

make disciples. May Your love abound in

me so that it may overflow toward others.

Amen.

* “Poor Richard, 1744,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-02-02-0100. [Original source: The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. 2, January 1, 1735, through December 31, 1744, ed. Leonard W. Labaree (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1961), pp. 393–400.]

** Kirk Lewis, “By Our Love,” Dr. Kirk Lewis (blog), February 2022,

https://wordpress.drkirklewis.com/by-our-love.