Zeal for what is right helps us face trouble, knowing God sees, cares, and will act.
1 Peter 3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
The Lord’s favor is always on those who do what is right. This is not to say that good works are a requirement for salvation, for they are not. The nature of our salvation is monergistic. Meaning, God is the sole agent of our justification, and none of our human abilities could help us earn God’s favor. Yet, Scripture emphasizes the importance of good works as evidence of God’s regenerating work in the believer’s life.
Does this mean that no physical harm shall befall the righteous at all? It is highly unlikely. Let us keep in mind that Peter’s words were addressed to Christians who were previously indicated to have already been suffering abuse and insult. Previous verses also indicate the possibility of persecution for those who follow Christ. What is the believer’s consolation, then?
Our consolation lies in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Paul’s words offer a similar encouragement: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Even Plato understands the favor provided to those who shun evil and do what is right when he said, “No harm can befall a good man…the gods do not neglect his cause.”
If we are zealous for what is right—eager and devoted to do what is good—we can guarantee that God will vindicate our sufferings. We may experience pain and hardship for our faith. We may be deprived of privileges here on earth, but we can rest assured that we will not be deprived of the hope and grace of life. We will not be deprived of the inheritance and salvation that we have when Jesus Christ appears.
Father, give me a steadfast zeal for righteousness even when doing good brings hardship. Strengthen my heart with the hope of Your vindication and the joy of salvation in Christ.
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