In Christ, It's A Wonderful Life

Every year around Christmas season, families in living rooms throughout the nation are watching the classic movie, starring Jimmy Stewart, It's a Wonderful Life. In that movie, we see the main character going through some incredibly difficult times. This causes our hero begins to feel that life is not worth living. Then, of course, the movie continues to play out in wonderful make-believe, feel good fashion. Eventually, everyone lives happily ever after.

Sadly, when difficult, sometime catastrophic things come into our lives, that type of negative thinking can infiltrate even the best of people. However, I believe that regardless of the circumstances, if we know Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, this is truly a wonderful life.

As we began this study some time back, we recall that Peter was writing to Christians who were going through intense persecution. And this persecution was only going to get worse, so Peter was providing words of refreshing encouragement and ways in which the Christians would be able to not only endure, but to excel in their position in Christ. Instead of focusing on the negative and the foreboding elements of life amidst those dark times, Peter chose to focus on preparing believers to expect and look forward to the best ahead.

Unfortunately, too many people have been duped by the idea that a positive life without any problems would mean that there are no consequences in which practices excessive liberties. We observe today a culture not unlike that of the Greco-Roman culture that pursued pleasure at all costs. Many of you are familiar with the writings of Ernest Hemingway. However, what is often overlooked and ignored is how he used his fame and fortune to agressively chase after pleasures of all kinds. He is well-known for not having any appreciation for the Bible, much less basic moral standards. It is said that he pursued the good life with a vengeance. Sadly, all of his involvement with all of his pleasure seeking did not fulfill Hemingway. In fact, his life was tragically ended one day in 1961 when he shot himself with a shotgun.

My friends, even with darkness trying to swallow us, the world and Satan trying to discourage us, we should rejoice in our salvation and enjoy every day that God has given us on this earth.

Even in the midst of a broken, wacky world, the Christian can lead a blessed, wonderful life.

Love for Family - 3:8

As Peter begins, he lets us know that he is finishing the topic of submission to the government, to employers, and to unsaved spouses. He then gives some specific instructions for how to get the best out of the life which God has given even in the midst of the antagonism and animosity of those who are unbelievers.

1 Peter 3:8 NASB95

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;

There are five traits that ought to be seen, in particular, amongst brothers and sisters in Christ. All of these characteristics are found in the love we have been shown and that we should extend to others. By using the phrase all of you be, is an implied command which could easily read all of you must be.

The first listed is that we should all be harmonious. Lest you think this is about singing harmonizing parts in a song, know that other Bible translations use the word, of one mind, unity of mind, like-minded. I like the definition given by one individual as cooperation in the midst of diversity. It is actually a compound Greek word which means same think. All of us are in agreement that evangelism and discipleship are necessary in the church and in our lives in the community. However, we might have a variety of ways in which we would approach this to make sure it happens. A story is told in one of the biographies of D.L. Moody. A man criticized Moody’s methods of evangelism, and Moody said, “Well, I’m always ready for improvement. What are your methods?” The man confessed that he had none! “Then I’ll stick to my own,” said Moody. Now I understand that there are probably some methods of ministry that are contradictory to the Bible; however, on those methods that fall in line with the Bible, let’s allow some open-mindedness to other ways. Be harmonious.

Another character trait that shows our love is to be sympathetic. A synonym used is compassion. It means sharing the same feeling. This is an ability to not be cold and heartless with no feeling. Rather, it is to be able to feel for and with someone. When someone in the body rejoices, because of love, I rejoice with them. When my brother or sister sorrows or is going through tough times, because of love, I choose to identify with them and help them in carrying their pain.

Brotherly is to treat each other, our brothers and sisters in Christ, with true brotherly love. The Greek word is that which we get the name of the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. This is seen in how we will work alongside or provide generous acts of service for our brothers and sisters without expecting anything in return.

Kindhearted is translated in other versions as tenderhearted, compassionate. This actually carries a little bit of the idea of pity and tenderness. The word picture is of bowels or intestines. This is often needed when a brother or a sister begins to go down the wrong path. Rather than being judgmental and harsh, we should show active concern and love. Our love and concern for them comes from the very core of our being.

Humble in spirit rounds out these five characteristics of a loving Christian towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. Another translation uses the word courteous. That is not a bad explanation, for it shows that one is putting the other person ahead of themselves. We’re not fighting for rights or getting something over someone else. We want the best for the other person. It is a mindset of honoring the other person above ourselves.

Love for Outsiders - 3:9

We probably think to ourselves that in the midst of terrible times, we’re pretty sure that we would exhibit the previous characteristics of love to other believers. However, Peter is about to tell us exactly what Jesus had spoken of while He was on the earth, about loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. Unfortunately, it is possible that some of these negatives could come from carnal Christians, but I don’t believe that is what Peter had in mind as the readers were experiencing persecution from those who were unsaved.

1 Peter 3:9 NASB95

not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:9

Just like those who were reading Peter’s letter understanding that persecution that was sanctioned by the official authorities was about to get worse, we should be understanding that the same thing is in store for the church of Jesus Christ, for all who are followers of Jesus. It is far too easy to want to respond in the natural man’s way.

It has been stated that Christians can respond to persecution and attacks in a number of different ways. One which rarely is seen is to show evil in the face of good. This obviously would be satanic in origin and not inspired by God. This type of person is the one who would say that we need to get them before they get you. Another way to respond in persecution or any situation, is to be nice when you’re being treated nicely. However, when things start to turn negative, then fight fire with fire. This is the normal human response where one forgets that we are supposed to be new creations.

This phrase could very accurately be translated as an imperative stop returning evil for evil. Peter is telling believers that we are to live as people of mercy; thus, we return good when attacked by evil. This is God’s way. After all, God dealt with us this way. We must not respond in kind when attacked. The Bible reminds us that we were enemies of God. We were forgiven even when we were opposed to God and deserving of hell. We see also from , how even when Peter and the other apostles were attacked and persecuted, they did not fight back or try to figure a way out of the situation. Instead, they trusted in God to work things according to His perfect plan and for His glory. This will bring blessing upon God’s children.

If someone were to suggest that they didn’t do anything, but instead just spoke what they were thinking, Peter gives a no to that, as well. Not returning . . . insult for insult. Insult means an abusive railing against, cursing, speaking evil of an individual. Again, we are told to give a blessing instead. In other words, say something positive or praiseworthy.

How can we practically do that? Choose to love those who oppose you. Pray for their salvation. Give thanks to God for that person. Forgive them. When we consider that we have been forgiven and from what we’ve been saved and to where we shall spend eternity, I believe we can more readily love those outside the kingdom of God.

Love for Life - 3:10-11

We practice several things which show our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Then as troubling, perilous times come our way from those who would be our enemies, we show love to them by not responding in the normal old way. Now Peter encourages his readers how we can have a love for life instead of dreading it.

1 Peter 3:10–11 NASB95

For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. “He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it.

Many of you will notice that in your Bibles, verses 10-11 are in quotes and completely capitalized. This is a tool the publishers made available to us to remind us that this is a quote from the Old Testament. Peter is actually quoting part of to give even more credibility to what he has been saying in the previous two verses. is a song which describes suffering of the Lord’s chosen and how He will deliver them. This is also seen by the word for at the beginning of verse 10.

Warren Wiersbe has a wonderful quote we would all do well to think on. We can decide to endure life and make it a burden, escape life as though we were running from a battle, or enjoy life because we know God is in control. This is seen in the first phrase The one who desires life, to love and see good days . . . In other words, it is a choice that we make. When life hands you lemons--ask my wife to make lemon meringue pie. Folks, there are so many things that come our way that we can allow to make us miserable. Choose to see the positive that God can make out of whatever that situation may be. We are to live by faith and trust that God is at work in our lives. That gives a love for life. The word for life is not speaking of biological life, where we would see the Greek word bios, but rather a rich quality of a full life.

Peter goes on and lists a few areas that can help us in this choice of having a love for life. First, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. If I can paraphrase an instruction I heard from individuals before I was saved; Watch your mouth. speaks extensively on the good and the bad that can come from the words we speak. Not only must I not retaliate against evil by speaking harshly towards that person, I must also be committed to speaking the truth and not manipulating words to make myself look good and the other person look bad.

Next, Peter tells the believers that we must turn away from evil and do good. There is to be definite action on the part of Christians and not just a passive compliance. Brothers and sisters, we can’t just sit idly by and assume that we will not participate in evil, trusting that good automatically flows from us. The idea of turning away is much more powerful than what this sounds like on first reading. It is the idea that evil is so terrible that we can’t stand to have anything to do with it. If I can be extremely graphic; it is as if you are being served a delightful meal on fine china (which is how Satan tries to present sin) and then you see on one part of your plate a steaming scoop of fresh manure. Obviously, you will do everything possible to avoid being anywhere near that. Make that your visual when tempted to sin. My friends, we know sin is wrong. But knowing that alone will not keep you from sin. When you participate in sin, your life will not be loved by you. We should recognize sin and hate it so much that we would avoid it completely. Instead, we must look for opportunities to do good and then do that good. When we bless others; we bless ourselves and we bring honor and glory to God.

Then Peter reminds us that we must seek peace and pursue it. You know that we don’t have to seek troubles and problems because they seem to find us. We are told to seek peace and pursue it. That seems to show that it will take some effort. It takes great intentionality. The phrase is one which was used to describe someone on a hunt who was relentless in catching his prey. This agrees with the rest of the Bible’s teachings on peace. This requires being very intentional in how we engage people. It necessitates a willingness to let others have their own way over what you might prefer.

The goal is that of peace. It is that state of tranquility that enables the believer to experience joy. Followers of Christ are called upon to be aggressive in our hunt for peace, whether it be with those who actively oppose us or those who simply are not yet saved.

Love for Righteousness - 3:12

In all of this, whether it be a love for fellow Christians, a love even for our enemies, choosing to love life as a gift from God, it requires that we have a love for righteousness. We must love what God loves and hate what He hates.

1 Peter 3:12 NASB95

“For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Peter continues quoting from . We understand that God is all-knowing and all-seeing. Peter seems to be saying that God notices and recognizes everything which His children are doing. Whether it be in the midst of calm and tranquil periods, or during the stormy and tumultuous times, God sees and knows and hears His children. This is a beautiful description of how God cares for His children. Peter is not describing God as watching and waiting for us to make a mistake. Nor is He just observing and hoping that we can tough it out in terrible situations. He is speaking of God’s absolute and divine care for us, not letting anything slip by Him regarding our lives. What an encouragement, that as I pray, God is going to respond in a way that lets me know of His great love and care for me.

Nor is He just observing and hoping that we can tough it out in terrible situations. He is speaking of God’s absolute and divine care for us, not letting anything slip by Him regarding our lives. What an encouragement, that as I pray, God is going to respond in a way that lets me know of His great love and care for me.

We understand that God is all-knowing and all-seeing. Peter seems to be saying that God notices and recognizes everything which His children are doing. Whether it be in the midst of calm and tranquil period, or during the stormy and tumultuous times, God sees and knows and hears His children.

I am also reminded that God hears the prayers of His own, but ignores the prayers of those who are unwilling to call upon the Name of the Lord. By their rejection of Christ, they are evil, in essence. That is what we used to be. Peter also reminds those reading that God is opposed to those who are practicing evil. It’s interesting to understand that in the Old Testament, face of the Lord, is always in reference to His judgment. I don’t want to think gleefully or joyously about sin. Yet, I do recognize that our Lord is a God of justice. While I may wonder about that goes on with evil in this world, God is fully aware and will judge accordingly.

Conclusion

We can be encouraged that we cannot earn salvation by our attempts at living a godly life. However, living a godly life is further proof and evidence that we are saved.

Even in the midst of a broken, wacky world, the Christian can lead a blessed, wonderful life. We can know this because of the promises of the Bible and we can live in the fullness of life.