Pastor Mark Putman Peter wrote this letter to help the church stand firm in the grace of God, particularly in the face of suffering. He reminds them of their identity: they are God’s chosen people, so they are like temporary foreign residents living outside of their true homeland. Peter was calling them to live a holy life. Christ is distinct, separate, out of the ordinary, and He calls His followers to be like Him. The Biblical word “holy” describes the contemporary word “different”. A holy person is not an odd person, but a different person. Being holy means that we live differently. It means that we love differently, and this love displays holiness. Love is the litmus test for Christians.