Are you ever ashamed to identify as a Christian?  Do your friends and acquaintances have negative associations with what "Christians" are and how they go about spreading their message to the world?  If so, maybe it's time for a reminder of what it means to live as a true Christian in this world.

Think for a moment about times you find yourself coming into conflict with others - perhaps others who identify as Christians, or perhaps others who want nothing to do with the church.  If they mistreat you (maybe because you're a Christian; maybe because you're gay; maybe for an entirely different reason), how do you respond?

When you read this passage, keep two things in mind: 1) In what ways can you change your own behaviors and attitudes to follow Peter's advice here?  2) If all Christians behaved as Peter suggests, how might the world's opinion of Christianity change?

1 Peter 3:8-16 (NIV)

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  For,

"Whoever would love life
     and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
     and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
     he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
     and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be preapared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.