The Way We Live – 1 Peter 2:11-17

Remember —
the way we live really matters.
People notice,
they always have.
When I first walked into church,
The music wasn’t great,
the sermons were long,
but the people —
their kindness —
stayed with me.
It was in what they said
and what they didn’t.

Every testimony,
if you listen closely,
is about other Christians.
Their kindness,
their courage,
their quiet patience.
Light that shines before others.

See the difference —
a meal for a family with a newborn,
a marriage still tender after fifty years,
a church where no one sits alone.
Foreigners in this world,
beloved but not settled,
living good lives
with integrity and grace.

Place yourself under authority,
live a submissive life —
governments,
rangers,
bosses you wouldn’t have chosen.
Obey,
until obedience to them
would mean disobedience to God.

Every act of courtesy counts.
Politeness is not weakness.
It’s strength with manners,
faith made visible.
So live a good life —
with integrity, kindness, generosity.
Let them say,
“She is honest.”
“He tells the truth.”
Let them see Jesus in you.

Christians once re-made the world
through quiet conviction —
ending slavery,
protecting children,
honouring women.
Respect still reforms.

Treat everyone with honour.
Fear God.
The greatest witness
is not in sermons or songs,
but in everyday lives
of quiet faithfulness.

That’s R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
the gospel in practice —
the way we live
when we know
we’re not home yet.

Original message by Paul Dale, The Bridge Church Macquarie Park NSW
2 November 2025
With R.E.S.P.E.C.T. to Aretha Franklin