The Reverence of Christ Jesus!

‘Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.’ – 1 Peter 3:13-15 NIV

First of all, we ought to know that Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. This is because He was God at the beginning, who has created us (Genesis 1:27), and came down from heaven into the earth (John  1:14) to be crucified on the cross for our sins (Colossians 2:13-15). The reason for this is that He wants us to be the righteousness of God so that we are able to enter the everlasting kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21), which was our original home (Genesis 1-2) until Satan deceived us (Romans 5:12). This is why Jesus Christ proclaims, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7)

In the beginning was the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

Therefore, we have to believe in Jesus Christ and do the will of God until the end of the age (Matthew 7:21-23). Because of this, we need to abide in the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 14:15-27) and His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The main reason for abiding these two is that they advocate us to have right passions and desires for God (2 Peter 1:3-11) and understanding how to live righteously before God (Romans 1:17, Hebrews 4:12). However, we must not get confused with faith in Christ Jesus and works of God. This is because the word of God declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:3-8)

Secondly, we should not be afraid of anything or anyone, for God is love (1 John 4:7-8). This is because the word of God states, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) This applies to even when we are suffering for Jesus Christ’s sake, for James 1:2-4 declares, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” In addition, Jesus declares:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:6-12)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

Furthermore, it is okay if  we do not know everything about Jesus Christ, but we should be able to answer why we are believing in Him or why do we hope in Him. Without this kind of ability, we are considered to be not true follower and believer in Jesus Christ. However, if we think we know the answers and know what to reply back to the questions—we should do this with gentleness and respectfulness (1 Peter 3:15). This is because we do not only being ambassadors of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), but we also producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Because of this, we have to memorize the Bible verses especially the important ones, such as John 3:16-18 and 1 Peter 1:3-9.