1 Peter 2:23 (ESV Strong's)
When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
Truth: Christ is our example when we are treated poorly in life.
The immediate context of this verse is speaking to slaves in Peter's day who were subject to an unjust and wicked owner. Since we no longer (in our country) have this setting we have to see how it applies to our situation in the work-a-day world we live in. It should be noted that both this section and all the way through chapter three, is speaking about how to live your life in front of a corrupt world that may be mistreating you because of your faith ... or, simply mistreating you because the world is evil. Peter's points in this entire section is to make sure we realize that Christ also was mistreated and He didn't respond evil for evil. Christ simply committed His life to God ("Him who judges justly). We are not to revile those who mistreat us at work. We are not to speak evil of them. We are follow Christ example. The verses just prior to our verse today states:
1 Peter 2:21-22 (ESV Strong's)
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
If we "continue to entrust" ourselves to God we have the promise we are doing what God wills and that will turn out as a blessing for God and from God. In our world today vengeance and retribution rule the day at work. Men and women at work fight for position, power and prestige and property. We are not to be of those who jockey for such things, but to commit our lives to Christ and live in His example. This will allow us to be lights to the lost and have them see the glory and mystery of Christ.
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