Peter wrote 1 Peter, his first letter, to a group of Christians who were experiencing difficult times. They were being mistreated and pushed to the edges of society simply because they followed Jesus.
It’s not always easy to live for God in a world that doesn’t understand Him. Sometimes, being a Christian feels like swimming against the current.
But Peter encouraged those believers, and he’s encouraging us today, not to give up. Why?
Because we’ve got something way better waiting for us.
The truth is simple and powerful: YOU WEREN’T MADE TO FIT IN!
YOU WERE SAVED TO STAND OUT.
Let me show you three things Peter wanted every believer to know, and how we can live it out today:
ONE | YOU HAVE A LIVING HOPE (1 PETER 1:1–12)
Peter tells us that following Jesus gives us something real and lasting, a living hope. It’s not hope based on what’s trending or temporary.
It’s rooted in Jesus, who defeated death and is alive today. That changes everything.
Because Jesus didn’t stay dead, we don’t have to stay stuck.
Our hope is alive, and that means even when life is tough, we can keep going.
TWO | YOU ARE CALLED TO BE HOLY (1 PETER 1:13–21)
Now, I know “holy” can sound like a big, churchy word. But all it really means is “set apart” or “different.”
As believers, we’re not called to blend in; we’re called to live in a way that honors God.
That doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. It means we choose what’s right even when it’s hard. It means we walk the walk, even when no one’s watching.
THREE | YOU’VE BEEN SET FREE TO LOVE (1 PETER 1:22–25)
Peter finishes with this: Now that you belong to Jesus, love like it. Forgive people. Be kind. Include others. Don’t just talk about love, live it. You’ve been loved big by Jesus, and now it’s your turn to love others the same way. So, how do we bring all this to life?
Here are three simple ways to take these truths and apply them to your everyday life:
ONE | LOOK UP, NOT JUST AROUND
This world can wear you down, but remember, this isn’t your forever. You’ve got a home in heaven. Don’t trade that hope for something that won’t last.
Write down something that’s stressing you out, and next to it, write: “But my hope is alive in Jesus.”
TWO | LIVE DIFFERENT ON PURPOSE
What you post, what you watch, what you say, and how you treat people should reflect Jesus.
Not weird. Just real. Real love. Real grace.
Ask yourself before you act: “Would I still do this if Jesus were sitting next to me?” (Spoiler: He is.)
THREE | LOVE PEOPLE LIKE JESUS LOVES YOU
You’ve been loved more than you’ll ever fully understand.
So let that love spill over. Be the kind of friend you’d want. Encourage someone. Forgive. Show up for people, even the ones who don’t expect it.
Pick just one person this week to show unexpected kindness to. That’s how change starts.
Bottom line? You’ve been chosen, called, and changed, not to blend in, but to stand out.
So, live it.
