“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 

2 Peter 1:10-11

How do we react when people mock us for our faith? Sometimes we respond immediately in anger, ready to fight. When we’re behind our computers and feeling bold and anonymous, it’s even easier to comment on a certain post without thinking about whether what we’re about to say is loving or wise.

The first century church was also very familiar with the feeling of being mocked for their faith. They were even being mocked for believing that Jesus was coming back! And, on top of that, false teachers were everywhere sowing division in the church.

So, not much has changed for Christians between then and now. We also know what it’s like when division is sown in the church and when we are being mocked for our faith and our trust in the knowledge that Jesus is coming back. Like the early church, we also don’t always know the exact right way to respond.

While arguments and quick comments are very tempting, Peter teaches us a different way to respond. 2 Peter is a short letter of reminders that Peter is writing to first century Christians urging them not to forget about the promises of God. He implores them to stand firm in the truth — not by picking every fight that comes their way, but by clinging to what they know is true.

And especially in 2 Peter 1:10, Peter reminds his audience that true Christian living is shown through godliness, kindness, self-control, and love. Not by picking fights with every person who says something offensive to us about our faith.

Peter’s main message is that the church should stand firm in her faith and not be swayed by false prophets or people who mock her. This message is just as important to us today as it was to the first century church.

Next time we want to comment on that Facebook post, or listen to a person who is just trying to tear the church apart, I hope we remember to respond in love while standing firm in what we know to be true. 

I hope that we always remember to pursue Christ-likeness in our lives above all else, because that is how we will never stumble.

PRAYER: God, teach me to be loving. Show me how to be more like You. Help me to stand firm in your truth and your promises. Let me be loving, kind, and Christlike in everything that I do. Amen.