When we face opposition, our human tendency is to focus on what other people think of us - how do we fit in. Peter knew that. But he also knew that what GOD thinks of us is way more important that what other humans think!

No matter how other people choose to live, we have a choice. Even if it is a difficult choice. Our human tendency is to respond to people just like they treat us. If they are bad to us, we're bad in return.

But that's not how God works - and that's now how we're supposed to live. Today we'll look at HOW to live differently.

When people treat us poorly, our human tendency is to respond it kind. The "eye for an eye" approach. We think we'll feel better.Peter challenges us to NOT respond with evil when we are treated with evil. We are called to respond like Jesus and Peter explains why in this passage.

Last week was wives, this week is husbands. Marriage is a key foundation when we face tough times. Here Peter challenges the husbands to be truly caring for the wives and families. Like Jesus, it can't be all about me. We need to serve and help our wives!

In times of stress, pressure, even rejection - our marriages become very important. Peter wrote to wives (last week) and now he speaks to husbands. How to be a great husband - someone your wife is thrilled she married.

Our world is confused on what beauty really is. True beauty is what comes from within. Peter wants us, especially women, to see that the real beauty that matters is on the inside. This is where we are to pour our energy.

Peter understands that when we are facing opposition, one of the important "resources" to depend on is our own spouse and home. And in times of stress, our marriages can suffer. So he gives some advice, first to the wives / women. He tells us where women can find true beauty, and it's not in their physical appearance.

We may face opposition, not be popular with everyone, but that shouldn't cause us to lose sight of the fact that we are on the winning team. And Jesus is our leader, who is the greatest person who ever lived.

Peter wants to encourage those facing opposition by showing them what God is doing with them. And what God is doing is just like He did for Jesus!He is building Christians into His own Temple - where the world finds Him. AND He is building us into His own priesthood!

There is a strong pull in all of us to fit in, be a part of the crowd. No one enjoys being ridiculed because they are different.

But what happens when "fitting in" causes us to do wrong?

As Christians we need to be committed to following God, even if it means we need to be different.