Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 3:8-17 (day six)
There’s a difference between reacting and responding. Reacting often lacks preparation, awareness, and mindfulness, whereas responding is preceded by anticipation and readiness.
That’s Peter’s aim, readiness. He doesn’t want these churches surprised by suffering, he wants them to expect it, and be ready for it when it comes. Peter wants them to do more than survive, more than grin and bear it, but he really wants them ready to engage others with hopefulness in the midst of suffering.
When suffering comes that’s our cue that God is up to something in the lives of those around us, and he plans to use our readiness so they can see and hear about the hope we have in Jesus.
Are you responding or only reacting to life’s circumstances?
“When suffering comes that’s our cue that God is up to something in the lives of those around us, and he plans to use our readiness so they can see and hear about the hope we have in Jesus.”
Very insightful, really good to know!