The apostle Peter is reminding us that since we are connected to a God who is holy, we also ought to be holy (1 Pet. 1:16). The word “if” could also be translated since. This helps us understand the flow of Peter’s exhortation. Since our Father in heaven is holy (Jn. 17:11), and since He is righteous (Jn. 17:25), we ought to take sin very seriously. He never compromises when it comes to sin, and neither should we. We should be forgiving and full of grace as He is, once sin is confessed and repented of. But as a loving, caring Father He does not tolerate ongoing sin.

In 1 Peter 1:17, Peter is not speaking of salvation, but of service; not of our way to heaven, but of our works here on earth. One who is truly saved is to live a holy life before God and men.

Peter also reminds his readers that they are sojourners here in this scene. The word “stay” has the thought of sojourning, dwelling as resident aliens. Instead of getting weighed down by the things of this world that affect our affections for Christ and our service to Him, we ought to live in fear. This might seem like a strange word to many, but the word “fear” here does not mean to live a life of being afraid. Here, fear has the thought of living a life of reverence for God, holding Him in such awe that it impacts the way we live from day to day. It has the thought of being more concerned about pleasing Him rather than pleasing myself or others. After all, if we live to please our God, it really does not matter whom we displease. And if we displease our God, than it really does not matter whom we please!