Sept 29 Devotion: When Light Meets Darkness

13).  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?  14).  But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;  15).  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:  16).  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.  17).  For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.  18).  For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

                                1 PETER 3:13-18 (KJV)

As Christians, we’d all like to be witnesses for Christ. If we faithfully display His righteousness, love, patience, and joy in our interactions with others, it’s natural to expect they’ll be drawn to Jesus. Yet while that’s true for some, many have an opposite reaction.

Jesus called believers “the light of the world” and said we’re to let our light shine so men will see our good deeds and glorify God (SEE MATTHEW 5:14-16). But He also said, “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (SEE JOHN 3:20). Then He warned that if men persecuted Him, they would also persecute His disciples (SEE JOHN 15:20).

History has proven Christ’s words to be true. He was hated and crucified, the early church faced intense persecution, and Christians have suffered for their faith throughout the centuries. Yet despite all this, the church presses on, and people continue to be saved. Even today, believers around the world witness powerfully through their response to suffering.

Even in times when we aren’t experiencing persecution, our faith can still unsettle those who aren’t ready to face the Light.

When we encounter slander, mockery, or mistreatment because of our beliefs, let’s remember that a godly response may be our most effective witness.

-IBC