Living Hope: Embracing Our Identity in Christ for a Life of Purpose and Power
Regan Yoakam |
May 13, 2025
The Apostle Peter’s Message of Hope and Identity
The Apostle Peter, writing around 63 AD to early Christians faced intense persecution. In his letter known as 1 Peter, he urged believers to live with hope, grounded in their identity in Christ. Let’s dive into some of his key teachings that continue to resonate today.
Temporary Residents with a Permanent Hope
Peter reminds us that we are “temporary residents and foreigners” in this world. This life is not our true home. Because of this, we should “keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your soul.”
“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” 1 Peter 2:11
Our focus should not be on fleeting things but on the eternal hope we have in Jesus.
Living with this perspective means we get to live differently. We don’t have to conform to the patterns of this world. Instead, we live as people who embody hope and honor, reflecting the character of Christ in all our interactions.
Living Honorably Among Others
Peter encourages believers to live good lives among unbelievers so that even if they accuse us of wrongdoing, they will see our honorable behavior and give glory to God.
“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” 1 Peter 2:12
This is not about perfection but about living with integrity and kindness, demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus through our actions.
Doing good isn’t just about morality or religion; it’s about bringing dignity and respect to everyone we encounter. Whether it’s a neighbor, a co-worker, or someone with a difficult reputation, our actions can speak volumes about the hope we carry inside.
Serving God Through Love and Respect
Further, Peter calls us to live as “free” people, not using our freedom as a cover-up for evil but as servants of God. We are to honor everyone, love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, and even respect governing authorities (1 Peter 2:16–17). These instructions might seem challenging, especially in today’s divided world, but they are essential for living as people of hope.
Honoring others means valuing their dignity as children of God, even when we disagree. It’s a radical call to love beyond differences and to build bridges instead of walls.
Hope in Action: Blessing Instead of Retaliation
In 1 Peter 3:8–9, we read a powerful call to unity and love: “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Instead, repay evil with blessing.”
This is the heart of living hope. It’s easy to be angry, retaliate, or be easily offended, but hope calls us to a higher standard—to bless, love, and honor others regardless of circumstances. This doesn’t mean ignoring struggles or hardships; it means focusing on Jesus, the source of our hope, and letting that hope shape our responses.
Living Hope in Everyday Life
Living hope is not an abstract concept but a practical, daily reality. It means choosing to honor and bless others, even when it’s hard. It means being a light of hope where we are—at work, in our families, and in our communities.
Hope Starts Here: Building Strong Families and Communities
Our mission is to be people of hope who build strong families, marriages, and relationships filled with love and dignity. Hope is the foundation of a thriving church and a thriving life. When we live as people who know their identity in Christ, we become beacons of hope to a hurting world.
How to Embrace Your Identity and Live Hopefully
If you’re wondering how to start living this hopeful life, here are some practical steps inspired by Peter’s teachings:
- Remember who you are in Christ. Speak it out loud and believe it. You are a child of God, deeply loved and valued.
- Keep your eyes on eternity. This world is temporary, so don’t get caught up in fleeting worries and desires.
- Live honorably and kindly. Treat others with dignity, even those you disagree with or find difficult.
- Respond with blessing, not retaliation. Choose to break the cycle of anger and offense by extending grace and love.
- Put Christ first in your life. Worship Him as Lord, and be ready to share the hope you have with others.
Choose to Be a Person of Living Hope
Living hope is a choice—a daily decision to live in the power of who Jesus is and who we are in Him. It’s not about perfection but about authenticity, love, and faithfulness. When we embrace our identity as children of God and live with hope, we become a blessing to everyone around us.
Remember, hope starts here—with you, with me, with all of us who know the One who is hope.