In 1 Peter 4, the apostle is instructing his readers about something important. There are times, he says, when we will suffer for our faith. Just as Jesus suffered, we too will suffer. Just as Jesus was insulted, so too will we be insulted.
He then goes on to provide some further clarity: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name” (verses 15-16).
Let’s take a closer look at his meaning by using two examples.
First, meet Bob. He’s a Christian. He is humble and clearly shares the truth about Jesus, but does so in a way that is loving. Even if people don’t always agree with him, he plainly wants God’s best for them.
Second, meet Everett. He’s a Christian. He likes to talk about Jesus, but lacks self-awareness. He struggles with pride, and tends to put down other people when talking with them. He seems more concerned with winning arguments than with helping people grow in their faith.
Although Everett’s issues seem less dramatic than the ones listed by Peter, the same principle applies. (And by the way, if your name is Everett, sorry—I just picked a random name!)
The point is this. Don’t be a jerk and then claim that you are suffering for Jesus when other people call you on it. I’ve seen it happen. There are people who speak or act with insensitivity or even rudeness and then justify their actions by saying something like, “Well, they insulted Jesus too!”
The word “manners” has come to mean saying please and thank you. And yes, those are manners. But the word itself is about “our manner.” It’s about how we conduct ourselves.
We can be confident, and still humble. We can be strong, and still self-aware. We can disagree about important things, and still love.
Don’t let your manner get in the way of your message.
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian,” Peter writes, “let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
Notes:
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.
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