Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:16-17
“For the race of the pious [Christians] is now persecuted in a way contrary to all precedent, being harassed by a new kind of edicts everywhere in Asia. For unblushing informers, and such as are greedy of other men’s goods, taking occasion from the orders issued, carry on their robbery without any disguise, plundering of their property night and day those who are guilty of no wrong.
If these proceedings take place at thy bidding, well and good. For a just sovereign will never take unjust measures; and we, on our part, gladly accept the honour of such a death. This request only we present to thee, that thou wouldst first of all examine for thyself into the behaviour of these reputed agents of so much strife, and then come to a just decision as to whether they merit death and punishment, or deserve to live in safety and quiet…
And as regards thyself, seeing that thy sentiments respecting the Christians are not only the same as theirs, but even much more generous and wise, we are the more persuaded that thou wilt do all that we ask of thee…We are not those who pay homage to stones, that are without sensation; but of the only God, who is before all and over all, and, moreover, we are worshippers of His Christ, who is veritably God the Word existing before all time.”
Melito of Sardis (c. 160-177) in The Apology Addressed to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus II-III.
While today’s post may sound like it does not have much to do with generosity, it offers a prime example of a generous appeal in a time of strife. The modern world is filled with political turmoil and often followers of Christ are as guilty as non-believers at not speaking kindly. Here, Melito offers a longer, gracious appeal with respect that shows honor to the emperor.
When we find yourself wrongly treated like Christians in the second century, the tendency of the flesh (at least I know this is true for my own heart) is to fight back. Christ calls us to return harsh treatment with love and to give honor to those who oppress us. This is what made the Christians known as the “pious” race. Let’s keep living piously and generously (and make our appeals accordingly)!