“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler” (1 Peter 4:15 ESV).
The first two entries on our list of transgressions involve criminal offenses. The second two behaviors encompass a wider range of inappropriate conduct. Therefore, we shouldn’t automatically link the trials we encounter in life with the experience of sharing in Christ’s sufferings. Sometimes we simply get what we deserve…
“This does not mean that all suffering is the result of good Christian conduct. Peter says to distinguish between suffering for being a believer and suffering for doing wrong things. For example, a Christian may think he is being picked on for his faith when it is obvious to everyone else that his own unpleasant behavior is the cause of his problems. It may take careful thought or wise counsel to determine the real cause of our suffering. We can be assured, however, that whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, he will be with us all the way.” (1)
A person who serves as a meddler, busybody (CEV), or troublemaker (NET) offers one such example. However, various sources highlight the challenges involved in defining this sort of behavior. For instance, different commentators attribute this type of conduct to someone who is a “concealer of stolen goods,” “spy,” “informer,” “agitator,” (2) or a “revolutionary,” “defrauder,” or “embezzler.” (3)
Perhaps the best definition is offered by a source who associates this idea with someone who is “a self-appointed overseer in other men’s matters.” (4) Considering the surplus of self-appointed “supervisors” that exist in our world today, this passage offers some valuable guidance. That guidance is applicable to ourselves as well as others who might seek to assume similar roles in our lives.
This may require us to exercise restraint (perhaps considerable restraint), before we intrude into the affairs of others. This is especially true in debatable matters. While it is Biblically appropriate to admonish one another for sinful conduct (Matthew 18:15-17), this passage reminds us of the need to be mindful of our own affairs and avoid interfering in areas where others have legitimate perspectives that differ from our own. It might also involve politely reminding others to respect those boundaries with regard to our lives as well.
Nevertheless, it is always appropriate to pray for others and ask God to provide wisdom, discernment, guidance, and direction in their decision-making process. In this way, we can honor God and establish a good reputation with others.
(1) Life Application Study Bible NKJV [1 Peter 4:14-16] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.
(2) New International Bible Commentary general editor G. C. D. Howley, consulting editors F. F. Bruce, H. L. Ellison. Copyright© 1979 by Pickering &Inglis Ltd [p. 1561].
(3) NET Bible notes on 1 Peter 4:15 https://classic.net.bible.org/bible.php?book=1Pet&chapter=4&mode=print
(4) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [1 Peter 4:12-19] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.