TURN AWAY FROM EVIL. 1st Peter 3:11 The way we cope with opposition and persecution affects the outcome of the event. Suffering is not the normal outcome for a law-abiding, peace-seeking child of God. But if suffering for Christ results from doing good, there is a special blessing for it. We don't have to fear their threats or intimidation. Agitation is really a form of unbelief, the contrast of which is calmness and even happiness from being blessed. "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake."
Evil is always around, often right in front of your eyes. Some things are subtle, others are outright lies and deception. When you know evil is there, quickly turn away from it. If you act with haste, you will live another day. Right alongside is a need to be met right there in front of me, but sometimes it is hard to see. I must not wait to act when doing good, or evil steps in where I should not. Do not retaliate with evil deeds. Repay evil deeds with good. Promote peace by enduring abuse meekly.
Peace can come when one makes a diligent search. Some things must be forsaken before you reach it. Peace doesn’t just “happen”; it accepts no compromise. Anyone who offers peace without a price is telling you lies. Peace is worth pursuing because a price was paid for it. When Christ was on the cross, our sin was laid on Him. The barriers were broken, walls were taken down, and peace is available to all who will come to Christ by faith and receive Him as their Lord and Savior.
Peace is not enforced by an army with guns. Lasting peace has been made through the blood of His cross. Receiving Him is one thing; obeying is another. Peace for living can be lost by disobeying our Father. But God is willing to restore a disobedient son to Him, who is willing to confess any besetting sins to Him; peace in life is ours when we don’t do wrong. When we do what is right, by His grace, peace is made between God and us, and that peace lasts forever.
I know peace can be lost quickly. To leave undone what is right, or to act wrongly, is to forfeit peace. We are not alone in this pursuit because our Lord knows who we are and what is happening. His eyes are on us, and His ears are listening to our prayers. His head is bowed to hear what we mean, even when we can't say it right. At the same time, His face is "upon" those who do evil. God is concerned for His persecuted pilgrims who suffer for righteousness. Payday has not yet come, but it will!