◄ What Does 1 Peter 3:10 Mean? ►

The believers to whom Peter was writing were facing hard times of persecution and difficulty, but his advice to them was based on king David's song, when he found himself in deep distress and facing life-threatening danger.

Both David and Peter encouraged others to have a positive attitude towards life, by faith in God Who has promised to be with us always, even when things are difficult, even when we are facing persecution and problems.

To love life in the midst of trials is a deliberate act of the will and is honouring to the Lord, for it expresses an attitude of faith in God, it demonstrates a spirit of trust in Him, that He is in control and will work all things together for the good to those that love Him. But how different from the negativity of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, who expressed his hatred of life and considered it so burdensome.

Peter expanded on his advice to love the life that God has graciously given us, and to make the most of time that we have on earth, by faith with thanksgiving; by commanding us to keep our tongue from speaking evil and our lips from telling lies.

Too often the problems of life are spawned by a wrong attitude towards our circumstances, our acquaintances and even towards God. And as a result, hasty words and complaining speech is often the consequence of this wrong spirit.

Let us follow the example of Peter and David, and by faith make the most of the life that God has given us by fostering a gracious attitude, a thankful heart, and conversation that is full of grace and seasoned with salt, that edifies and encourages, to the glory of God.

Heavenly Father, it is sometimes so hard to refrain my tongue from speaking evil things. Thank You that doing these hard things is rewarded by You with blessings that may not be immediate, but which are so sweet and good when I receive them. I pray that all my words and my actions would be a real encouragement to others, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN.