What practical steps help us "turn from evil and do good"? Foundational Verse “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.’” (1 Peter 3:10-11) What “Turn from Evil” Means • A decisive break with sinful habits—“put off” the old self (Ephesians 4:22-24) • Active pursuit of righteousness—“overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21) • A daily, moment-by-moment choice empowered by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16) Practical Steps to Turn from Evil • Repent immediately when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9) • Set clear moral boundaries before temptation hits (Daniel 1:8) • Remove triggers—websites, shows, places, or friendships that entice to sin (Matthew 5:29-30) • Replace idle time with purposeful service and worship (Ephesians 5:15-16) Guarding the Tongue • “Keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” – Speak truthfully; falsehood is Satan’s native language (John 8:44) – Pause before reacting; “be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19) – Use words to build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29) Renewing the Mind • Daily Scripture intake—let God’s Word wash and reshape thoughts (Psalm 119:11) • Meditate on what is “true…honorable…right…” (Philippians 4:8) • Pray through verses, asking the Spirit to apply them specifically to current struggles Choose Godly Company • “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Seek accountability partners who will lovingly confront sin (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Model your life after believers who follow Christ faithfully (Philippians 3:17) Seek Peace and Pursue It • Initiate reconciliation; don’t wait for others to move first (Matthew 5:23-24) • Respond to insults with blessing, echoing the context of 1 Peter 3 (vv. 9-12) • Pray for those who wrong you—evil loses power when met with grace (Luke 6:27-28) Walk by the Spirit • Consciously surrender plans and desires to the Lord each morning (James 4:7-8) • Keep in step with the Spirit—obey promptings quickly (Galatians 5:25) • Celebrate victories; gratitude fuels further obedience (Psalm 107:1) Finish Strong Turning from evil isn’t negative deprivation; it is joyful participation in the good works God prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). As we practice these steps, the promise of 1 Peter 3:10 becomes our lived experience—loving life and seeing good days under God’s faithful care. |
    |