1 Peter 3:10-12 (NLT)
10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
Peter quotes the verses from Psalms 34:12-14 as he states a way for a happy life in this world that is quarrelsome and ill natured. It is a responsibility of those who have faith in Christ to subdue their words and turn from evil practices; and they are to seek out peace. Peter’s encouragement is meant to show the Lord will be with them in their goodness, while He opposes those who have evil intent towards them.
The world does not understand the ways of God. Roderick Green, a 6’1”, 245lbs, linebacker for the Baltimore Raven’s was stabbed in July 2006 as he exited from a bowling alley. A 5’10” man with a thin body had bumped into Green inside the bowling alley, which lead to a confrontation by the man. The man then followed Green into the parking lot where he stabbed him in the stomach. Green, who runs a 4.58 in the 40 yard dash, can bench press 350lbs, and squats 500lbs, chose to run from the assailant. After a surveillance video of the attack was released, his teammates made him an endless source of jokes. Even the writers of articles about the attack made jokes, such as saying the NFL should provide self defense courses along with their line defense. But according to God Green did the right thing. Instead of turning to attack his assailant, which he could have easily done, Green decided to turn and move away from evil and worked to maintain peace. He diffused the situation instead of committing battery or even homicide. The man didn’t deserve the compassion Green gave him, but then neither do we deserve the compassion God offers us. Our God is so merciful and gracious He offers us hope of salvation in Jesus Christ instead of returning our offenses against Him. God could easily choose to strike us down, but instead He holds out His hands in love. Do you realize how compassionate the Lord is towards us? Pray you would learn God’s ways and turn to others in peace and love instead of retaliation. Pray your words would honor God and not give Satan a chance to act. Praise God for the wonderful salvation of Jesus Christ.
