13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
In the world of Christianity, there is joy in doing the right thing even if it means pain and suffering. The recipients of this letter were facing wrong charges, verbal attacks, threats of physical harm by their pagan neighbors because of their faith in Jesus Christ. The early Christians lived in a hostile environment with pagan neighbors participating in idolatrous feasts and sexual indulgences. In fact, the Christians were watched and observed by their fellow neighbors to see if they would do anything against the Roman laws and their pagan belief system. We might even compare it to the days of Jesus when the Jewish scholars and Pharisees scrutinize to see if Jesus would falter on any given Laws of the Bible. The same picture depicts of our world today.
The world is now ever more hostile to the Christian faith and its doctrines. The world hates to hear the exclusive salvation plan of God through Jesus Christ. It does not resonate with the fact that unborn kids are precious souls created in the image of God. It does not recognize the sanctity of life and marriage. It does not want to be ruled and guided by a God who created them. It seeks for one’s own good and selfishness calling it a “fulfilling life.” It cries for a freedom but fails to attain it.
In the midst of such an environment, Christians are called to live with boldness and courage. Christians are called to uncompromisingly declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ without strings attached. Christians are not called to run away from hostile situations but to face it with the heart of a lion. In facing those fears, Christians are called to rejoice greatly knowing that there is a sure promise of God’s presence and deliverance.
Prayer: God, give us strength to face our fears and hostilities. Release us from timidity and childishness. Help us to live with the power of love and truth in our daily lives, amen.
