Most of the struggles Christians face stem from a failure to embrace and enjoy their new identity in Christ. 1 Peter 2 addresses this problem, helping us see and appreciate what it means to live out our faith as God’s holy people. The previous chapter ended with a call to sincere brotherly love, and this chapter begins with a command to put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Both commands are then followed by an emphasis on the transformative power of God’s Word. As imperishable seed, the Word is life-generating; and as pure spiritual milk, the Word is life-nourishing. So not only are we “born again... through the living and abiding Word,” it is through this Word that we “grow up” in our salvation. And one practical result will be improved relationships with others (1:22—2:3). The Christian life is more than a personal relationship with Jesus. We belong to a spiritual community, joined together as “living stones” in a “spiritual house” that God is building, with Jesus as “the cornerstone.” In former days, God dwelled among His people at the Jerusalem temple. But His presence is now known when genuine believers gather to worship Christ, each one actively contributing to the ministry as priests. Many will reject Him, but we will never regret giving ourselves in sacrificial devotion to Jesus Christ (v 4-8). As we do this, God will use us as compelling witnesses to a watching world. Just like Israel in the Old Testament, the church is a set-apart people with a set-apart mission. We find our identity in the truth that we are God’s elect and He delights in us! Every believer is God’s treasure, saved only by His mercy. And since we belong to Christ, we enjoy pleasing and praising Him. We live as immigrants here, mindful that heaven is our homeland. For the health of our souls, we reject sinful pleasures. And for the sake of others, we practice “good deeds,” hopeful that lost people will be drawn to glorify the Savior (v 9-12). “Doing good” is also the best way for believers to silence their critics. As those who have been re-born with a new nature, we have become willing “servants of God.” For His sake, we freely submit to all governing authorities. In fact, as a follower of Jesus, I should be known for my humble posture and respectful attitude toward everyone. It’s contrary to my sinful nature, but Christ will empower me to follow His example. No one ever suffered more unfairly than Jesus. Yet He patiently endured His humiliation, trusting that the Father would bring ultimate justice. This is our calling as well—for Christ died, not only to pay for sin, but that “we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (v 13-25). For further meditation: