THE BLESSING OF CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/12/23

Jesus knew who He was, where He came from, and where He was going. His identity as the Son of the living God gave Him all the confidence in the world. We can have that same confidence because we, too, know who we are and where we are going.

Read 1 Peter 3:8-22. When our identities are being transformed in Christ day by day, Peter tells us we will do three things:

1. We will live in harmony with the body of believers, being sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. In this way, we model Christ within our communities. We must practice what we preach, being holy as He is holy (see 1 Peter 1:15-16).
2. We will view non-believers with compassion. We will grieve their spiritual state—remembering that we, too, were once at enmity with God—so that we long to help even our enemies to take off their spiritual blindfolds. Perhaps one day they will ask, “Why are you so loving?” With Christ’s help, we can humbly plead even with our enemies to experience the love of Jesus.
3. When we experience trouble and trials in this life, we will yet hope in the resurrection. The storms of life may blow and howl around us, but we are safe in Christ. The waters of our circumstances can never drown those of us who are in Christ. The very onslaught of hell cannot harm us when we are secure in Christ. Peter is telling us, “Brothers and sisters, remain faithful, for you will be vindicated. Stay true to Christ, for you will be exalted on high. Stay the course, for your day of glory is coming.

Is confidence in Christ producing compassion for others and unshakeable faith in your life? Follow Jesus today and see what blessings He will heap upon you and others through you.

Prayer: Lord, I trust in You for my salvation and relish my transformed identity in You. Help me to be compassionate like You. Help me to share Your love even with my enemies. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).