I LOVE Peter’s letters. It seems that Peter could empathise with people like me who are timid, have lots of problems, and easily get discouraged. He understood sisters; maybe his own wife made sure of that. He felt for those of us who have unbelieving partners, those of us facing heavy trials, and those of us who suffer more affliction than we feel we can handle.
The kinds of qualities and virtues Peter urges us to develop appeal to me. Submit yourselves… Show proper respect to everyone… Slaves, submit yourselves with all respect… Wives, be submissive…Husbands, be considerate…All ofyou, be sympathetic, be compassionate and humble…Do not be frightened…Rejoice…Be eager to serve…Do not lord it over those entrusted to you… Young men, be submissive. What’s that: young men and women, be submissive? Today’s fiercely aggressive culture treats such an idea with contempt. How desperately do we, as the saints of God, need these virtues today!
Peter gives me great comfort when he tells me: Cast all your anxiety on God, because he cares for you. I appreciate his gentle exhortation to make every effort to be at peace with God. I find that there are so many things that can make us cantankerous and resentful. I ask God to forgive me and help me when I get bitter and miserable. For we really do need to be at peace with God, and with one another. It’s high time to do this, says Peter, for we look for a new heaven and a new earth full of peace and joy.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One