READ: 1 Pet. 2:13-17
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. – 1 Pet. 2:15,16
Peter is now outlining how our behavior in service of God should be when interacting with people in society. First of all, we are called to accept the authority of the governing authorities. This authority comes from God (the fifth commandment) and is necessary for order and peace in society. These authorities are there to punish wrongdoers and to appreciate those who do good (v.14).
In society, Christians will increasingly encounter a negative judgment. But the Lord says to us: do not be discouraged from doing good because by doing good, you silence people’s negative talk as it were. We will then realize that their judgment is unjustified. We can do that as free people who are not provoked by opponents into wrong and questionable behavior. We are also in service to God in society and He will certainly support us there with His Spirit.
Christian freedom should not lead us to abuse that freedom to do or say wrong things (v.16). We must always strive for humility, kindness, and helpfulness. Paul says in Rom. 12:21: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Peter even says in verse 17: Honor everyone. Everyone, without exception! Love all your brothers; fear God; honour the king. This command applies to us as well, even when we face difficulties in society. Let us see it as the will of the Lord (v.13,15) for the glory of His name.
Are there limits to our kindness?
Singing: Ps. 112:3