THIS IS HOW WE DO IT!”
2 Peter 2:17– “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” It is our duty and responsibility, as believers, to share the love of God in any situation and in every situation we find ourselves. It is a mandate that is on our lives as Christians. Even when the hatred is targeted at us! Now I know that is pushing the envelope a bit, but God needs us to rise above our circumstance and let His love shine through at all times and in all places! The text gives explicit instructions on how we are to share that love with the Brotherhood. Before I share the instructions, let me quote what the Urban Dictionary had to say.
“Brotherhood” is the epitome of good will and faith. As humans we are not defined by our faults or sins, but by the capacity for love that we have for one another. When one is within the brotherhood, one abides by the law of the word. We all raise our fist when we hear the call. We are all equalized under this truth, and the supremacy of the call’s benediction binds us. What an interesting concept.
HONOR ALL MEN: Peter continues to encourage his readers in their Christian conduct. Christians should respond to God’s saving action in Jesus with behavior that honors Him – they should act like they are indeed his people and representatives. All people are deserving of respect, for all are created in God’s image. (See Genesis 1:26-27). Being created in the image of God distinguishes people from all other earthly creation. God’s image is not described as being possessed in part or given gradually; rather it is an immediate and inherent part of being human.
FEAR GOD: We fear God with the fear that a child has for his father. It should be like the tremendous respect and love that a child has for his father or mother and who dearly wants to please them. We should have the fear or an anxiety of offending the one we love, not because we are afraid of torture or even of punishment, but rather because we are afraid of displeasing the one who is the source of security and love.
HONOR THE KING: Although the Emperor may cause them to suffer, believers must respect his/her position. Case in point. Many believers in these United States were not happy when Donald Trump was elected as our 45th President. We were not happy with the policies that were being put in place nor the removal of legislation that has worked in the past. We did not stand behind his decisions nor did we agree with his personal presuppositions and biases. However, we were still held accountable for the things that came out of our mouth about him and judgments that we placed upon him. Like Christ, believers are to be respectful even in the face of insult and hardship, for this gives them the opportunity to show the true character of Jesus.
God so loved us. And we are to love one another. The strategy is set… THIS IS HOW WE DO IT!
BBLESSED AND LET LOVE ABOUND! ALB MINISTRY © OCTOBER 2021