For the one who wants to love life and to see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, and he must turn away from evil and do good. He must seek peace and pursue it, because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their request. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. - 1 Peter 3:10-12
Peter used an Old Testament reference (Psalm 34:12-16) to encourage righteous attitudes among the persecuted saints. The obvious truths that may be drawn from his words are:
1) God does not change, and
2) that His ethics are not situational.
God has never approved deceit and has always expected those who follow Him to seek peace and not conflict.
Even when we must take righteous stands against evil, may we find a way to do so without a weapon. In those instances where we cannot avoid the physical fight, may we still find the strength to uphold His justice in attitude as well as action.
The eyes and ears of the Lord continue to see and hear the cries of the righteous, but also indict those who persist in evil. Trust Him.
The devil doesn't persecute those who aren't making a godly difference in the world. - Paul Chappell
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