AUGUST 14, 2014
The
Parable Of The Sting
Read: 1
Peter 2:9-12
They may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day
of visitation. —1
Peter 2:12
I can still see Jay
Elliott’s shocked face as I burst through his front door almost 50 years ago
with a “gang” of bees swirling around me. As I raced out his back door, I
realized the bees were gone. Well, sort of—I’d left them in Jay’s house!
Moments later, he came racing out his back door—chased by the bees I had
brought to him.
I had more than a
dozen stings, with little effect. Jay had a different experience. Though he’d
been stung only once or twice by “my” bees, his eyes and throat swelled up in a
painful allergic reaction. My actions had caused a lot of pain for my friend.
That’s a picture of
what’s true in our interpersonal relationships too. We hurt others when our
actions aren’t Christlike. Even after an apology, the “sting” sticks.
People would be right
to expect an absence of harshness and an air of patience from those who follow
Christ. We forget sometimes that people struggling with faith, or life, or
both, watch Christians with expectation. They hope to see less anger and more
mercy, less judgment and more compassion, less criticism and more
encouragement. Jesus and Peter told us to live good lives so God is given the
glory (Matt. 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12). May our actions and reactions point those
around us to our loving Father.
We have found that
it’s easy to hurt others
with our words or
actions. Teach us, Father,
to pause and to think
before we speak or act.
Fill us with kindness
and care.
May others see less of
me and more of Jesus.
Insight
Peter wrote to
Christians who were going through fiery trials of intense persecution (1 Peter
1:6; 4:12). He encouraged these believers to persevere, to remain faithful, and
to view these difficult times as opportunities to strengthen their faith and
bear witness to Christ. In today’s passage, Peter reminded them of their
special identity and spiritual status as God’s chosen people (vv.9-10). “A
chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” are descriptions applied
to the Jews in the Old Testament (Ex. 19:5-6; Isa. 43:20-21), but here Peter
applies them to believers. He reminds them—and us—that we are chosen by God for
the purpose of witnessing and testifying to God’s love (vv.9-10).
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
