Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Peter 4:15 (New International Version)

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

This passage in chapter 4 is discussing suffering as a Christian or suffering at the hands of men because I am a Christian. Verse 15 summarizes the thought that if a Christian suffers it should be because of a true, serious offense. Something bad like murder, theft, or meddling.

Or meddling?

meddle: verb, to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly (from Dictionary.com)

Is interfering in someone else’s life sort of like murder or theft? I think the verse indicates that meddling is not quite as bad as murder or theft, but Peter does place it here in the same thought.