1 Peter 3:13-14 (NIV)
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."
I believe Peter was referencing the verse in Isaiah when he commanded the believers who were experiencing heavy persecution not to fear. I just love this verse, and I can't believe that I haven't really ever noticed it before. Don't fear what those who do not believe in a sovereign, good, powerful God fear. If we do, what are we saying? There should be a marked difference between what we fear and what the person who does not believe in a God fears... We have nothing to fear.
Here is a quote by John Piper:
"Why? Why would God be so displeased and offended if Isaiah or we feared men? The answer is that God had made many promises to his people that should have taken away their fear and filled them with confidence and hope; and so if Isaiah feared man, it would show that he doesn’t trust God’s promise. And when someone doesn’t trust an honest man, he is offended and displeased."
Don't fear what you read in the paper, don't fear what people will think of you, don't fear tomorrow, for God is in control.
