Freedom and high regard

Peter gives his readers freedom and a warning in the same breath: "do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil." Christ has set them free, but that freedom is for serving God, not for doing whatever they like. Then he sets the standard for how they treat people: "Treat everyone with high regard." Everyone, without exception, including the people they do not like.

In the session, Ian Kirk said, "especially we Americans, we have this almost idolatrous relationship with freedom, that we behave in such a way that is not honoring of God, that denies the freedom that Christ bought for us." He said high regard might be our starting point, and asked, "Are we viewing them with higher regard before we insert foot into mouth?"

Online, freedom to say anything can turn into license to say anything. We can type what we would never say to someone's face. Peter's freedom looks different. It is the freedom of a servant of God, who is free to love the brotherhood, to show respect, and to hold back the cutting word because Christ has already set them free.

Today, before you respond to someone you disagree with, ask Ian's question. Am I viewing this person with high regard? Picture them as someone God made and Jesus died for. Then write your reply, or decide not to send it at all. Use your freedom to honor them, and you will be honoring God too.