Friday 4 September 2026
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. (v. 25)
Background
Peter speaks honestly about suffering, especially when we are treated unfairly. He reminds us that there is a difference between suffering because we have done something wrong and suffering while doing what is right. When we are treated unjustly, our natural response can be anger, retaliation or bitterness. Instead, Peter points us to Jesus.
Christ suffered without sinning, without threatening or seeking revenge. Instead, he entrusted himself to God, the one who judges justly. Jesus' suffering was not meaningless; it was part of God's plan to bring us forgiveness and healing. Verse 24 reminds us that he “bore our sins” on the cross so that we could die to sin and live for righteousness. Peter therefore instructs us to consider Jesus as the ultimate model for handling injustice in our own lives, with his quiet endurance on the cross serving as an example. He points believers to healing and grace and commands us to entrust our trials to God rather than carrying them ourselves.
This doesn't mean we should ignore injustice or accept abuse without seeking help. Rather, it challenges us to consider how we respond when life is unfair. Jesus shows us that we don't have to repay hurt with hurt. We can entrust ourselves to God while continuing to pursue what is right.
Peter ends with a beautiful picture: “For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” (v. 25) Even in difficult seasons, we are not abandoned. Christ bore human sins on the cross so that believers could live righteously, returning like lost sheep from the wilderness.
To Ponder:
- How do I normally respond when I am treated unfairly?
- What can Jesus' example teach me about responding to difficult people or situations?
- What does it mean for me personally to 'live for righteousness'?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the example you gave us through your suffering. Help me to respond to difficult situations with grace, wisdom and trust in you. When I am hurt or treated unfairly, keep me from bitterness and revenge. Help me to pursue what is right while trusting you with the outcome. Thank you for carrying my sins on the cross and bringing me back to you, my shepherd. Amen.
Bible notes author: Cara Macdonald
Cara lives with her husband and five children in Glasgow. She works for the charity Mary’s Meals, which provides over three million of the world’s poorest children with a meal in school every day. She attends Newton Mearns Baptist Church and is also involved with the work of Reigate Methodist Church in Surrey, where she came to faith.