The letter of 1 Peter is certainly one of the most compelling examples of truth spoken with love. From the opening address, to the "elect exiles" (v.1), Peter expresses a profound affection and understanding for the early Christians who are living as both loved by God yet sojourners in the land, chosen yet exiles in this world. Today, just like the believers in Asia Minor, we need this encouragement. We can be tempted to conform to our surrounding culture and settle for a hope that rests in our relatively comfortable and secure circumstances, particularly when we face suffering. Peter calls us instead to anchor our trust, our hope and our very lives in the only one who offers true salvation and eternal life, Jesus Christ.