By Paul Alberts
In addition to the ways the Lord used Peter when he lived on this earth, the Lord uses him and other Bible characters to teach us lessons today. There is much to learn from Peter’s life and those of the others – not just about them, but especially about God and His ways.
If we were honest with ourselves, I doubt that any of us would like our lives so widely publicized – considering our own faults and errors in life. When we look at characters such as Peter it is very easy to find reasons to criticize. But I doubt that any of us is really any better. As we see the wonderful qualities of the Lord displayed in His interactions with Peter and others, we should recognize that He is also showing us the same grace. We have much in our own walks with the Lord Jesus Christ to appreciate, giving Him our thanks and praise.
When we see the Lord in His kindness responding to Peter’s downfalls, we should also be challenged as to our own reactions to other people’s mistakes, especially those of fellow believers. And I would be surprised if there were very many of us who do consistently well in displaying the love of the Lord in such circumstances, especially when the person seems to fail repeatedly. Of course we will never in this life be made entirely in His image, but that should not keep us from becoming more and more like our Savior in our reactions and behavior day by day.
I would close with a few words of instruction from the apostle Paul: “Speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine … be temperate, dignified, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance … be reverent in [your] behavior … teaching what is good … in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds … showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Ti. 2:1-11 NASB). “Malign no one … be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves” (3:2-3).
May the Lord bless you through the articles that follow.