Divine Care: God’s care for His people is comprehensive. He cares for them with their eternal and heavenly good in mind, but He does so without overlooking their temporal and earthly needs. Like good parents who plan for the children’s future without neglecting their daily needs, so God cares for His people both for eternity and for the present life, both in heaven and on earth.[1] Peter once again points out what characterizes the people of God: their imitation of His righteous character.[2] Peter portrays God’s care for His people with the anthropomorphic language of Psalm 34, namely, His attentive eyes and ears. But that same face (eyes and ears, inclusive) of God is hostile toward evildoers. In the sight of God, there are only two ways to live (Ps. 1:3-6). Every true child of God chooses to live by His righteousness and obeys His Word.[3]

Peace and Truth: Peter explains that the people of God are to pursue peace and never take matters into their own hands and retaliate. Like children secure in their parents’ care, so we have our security and refuge in God.[4] This is why we don’t retaliate but seek peace. Peter points out a pivotal aspect of peacemaking: the proper use of the mouth. Used well, the tongue can defuse controversy and bring healing (Prov. 12:18; 15:1; 18:21). Used poorly, it is like gasoline to the fire; it can turn a mini conflict into full-fledged war. Moreover, the people of God speak truth, not deceit. We imitate Him who is the truth (John 14:6) and full of truth (John 1:14). We speak peace and truth.

[1] This comprehensive care of God in heaven and on earth is seen in Ps. 34:9-10 and 22; also, in Luke 12:30-32.

[2] We imitate God’s holy character (1:14-16), as we have been called out of darkness into His light (2:9).

[3] Peter makes this abundantly clear in the rest of this letter: 1:2, 14, 22; 2:8; 15, 20, 24; 3:1, 6, 17.

[4] Cf. 1 Pet. 2:23; 4:19. Cf. also Psalm 31:3-5; 46:1; 138:6-8.