There is a clear division between those who receive mercy and those who do not. The apostle Peter identifies those who have been called out of darkness to be the people of God as those who have received mercy for the purpose of proclaiming the goodness and power of God.

Such people are treated as strangers or aliens in this world. Peter urges them to abstain from yielding to the temptations that are harmful to their souls. He doesn’t ignore the reality of temptation but urges them to abstain, show self-control, and discipline (1 Peter 2:11-12). It’s important to note that being tempted is not sin, but yielding to the temptation is. Our behavior then is a key demonstration to others of the power of God helping us to live an honorable life. In this world, someone who is not controlled by sin is different and may be viewed as strange.

In a world where there is peer pressure to do what “everyone” else seems to be doing, the people who have received mercy are to act with integrity so consistently that they become an example to everyone even while they are accused of all kinds of wrong. By their actions they proclaim the goodness and power of God.

Having received mercy, they want to show mercy to others so that they too can find the power of God to deal with the temptations that would destroy their soul. Therefore, submit to authority for the Lord’s sake and use the freedom God grants to serve Him. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the political ruler. This is not something easy to do when you see the wrongs that are committed, when people and leaders are unreasonable, but it is something God asks of the people that have received mercy.

If you do what is right and suffer for it, and patiently endure it, this finds favor with God (1 Peter 2:20).