COV LIFE BLOG

1 Peter 3:13-17

Love to God disposes us meekly to bear injuries from others because it sets us very much above the injuries of men. And it does so in two respects. In the first place, it sets us above the reach of injuries from others because nothing can ever really hurt those that are the true friends of God. Their life is hid with God, and He, as their protector and friend, will carry them on high as on the wings of eagles. All things shall work together for their good (see Rom. 8:28), and none shall be permitted really to harm them while they are followers of that which is good (see 1 Peter 3:13). In the second place, as love to God prevails, it tends to set persons above human injuries, in that the more they love God, the more they will place all their happiness in Him. They will look to God as their all and seek their happiness and portion in His favor… The more they love God, the less they set their hearts on their worldly interests, which are all that their enemies can touch. Men can injure God’s people only with respect to the things of the world, and the less he feels the injuries that his enemies may inflict, because they cannot reach beyond these things. And so it often is the case that the friends of God hardly think the injuries they receive from men are worthy of the name of injuries, and the calm and quietness of their minds are scarcely disturbed by them. As long as they have the favor and friendship of God, they are not much concerned about the evil work and injuries of men. Love to God will, in these several respects, dispose us to longsuffering under injuries from others.

Jonathan Edwards

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SCRIPTURES FOR THIS SUNDAY
Read 1 Peter 3:13-17. Do you fear what man would do to you or think of you if you really lived the Christian life and spoke clearly about him? Are you always ready to give a defense for the hope that you have? How does any lack in these areas indicate where, by God’s grace, you can grow in your reverence and hope in Christ?

SCRIPTURES FOR THIS SUNDAY
Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher.