Day 417: Responding to unfairness – 1 Peter 2 vs 18 -21

18-19 Slaves, in reverent fear of God, submit yourselves to your masters. Not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.  20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:18-21 From the New International Version

We are living in times when 'unfairness' is described in many ways. People speak of inequality, discrimination, and exploitation. Many say that ‘capitalism is unfair’ and quote statistics to suggest that the gap between the rich and poor is widening – and they say that's unfair too. It's not surprising then hearing people using the phrase 'life sucks'. They feel that unfairness in society is draining all that is good. But it is not a new condition. Peter tackles a case of extreme unfairness in today's verses, and gives instruction on how to respond. (vs 18-19)

Slavery was a very real, and a very big, part of society in those days. Some were people who'd been taken captive when one army defeated another; some had been sold into slavery because they could not pay off a debt. So they would have already felt that life had dealt them a raw deal.

History shows that some slaves were well treated. Peter mentions how some owners were 'good and considerate'. But some slaves had masters who treated them unfairly and harshly. A natural response would've been to be bitter, resentful, sullen and disobedient. Peter calls those who were Christians to face unfairness differently.

In vs 12-13 of this Chapter he’d already said to Christians; “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” One area where that would apply was how slaves should respond to their masters. What was the reason Peter gave why a slave should show a reverent submission even to an owner who treated him or her unfairly?

He says it’s because such an attitude is commendable in the sight of God. When they didn’t retaliate with hatred to a master treating them in a hateful way, when they didn’t return evil for evil done to them, it was something God approved of. Their response showed that they were far better people than the master who was mistreating them. But someone might object and say: “That's so unfair! How can God expect us to do that? Does He know how difficult it is?” And the answer, of course, is “yes He does!” (vs 21)

If ever there was a case of extreme suffering and terrible unfairness, it was that of Jesus Christ. He was put on trial before biased judges, lied about by false witnesses, deserted by friends, and painfully crucified despite being totally innocent, not only of any crime, but innocent of any sin whatsoever! Peter goes on to say in vs 23 (which, God willing, we'll look at next week) that Jesus “didn't retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” Jesus left justice and revenge in the hands of His heavenly Father, and Peter now calls Christians to follow that example and do the same.

Life can be full of unfair situations. It may be a boss at work who is demanding and seldom appreciative of the good you do. Women may end up with a husband like that. Some children may have parents who are very unfair. And being a Christian can lead to even more unfair treatment. You may be passed over for promotion because of your 'weird beliefs'. Peter urges us to follow in the steps of our Saviour and to leave our case in the hands of God. It doesn't mean we can't pray much about the situation, but it does mean trusting that God knows what you’re going through and He will ultimately bring about what is fair and right.