In 1 Peter, however, we can share the confusion and uncertainty of what seems to be a long delay in the return of Christ and the bringing of justice to the earth. God’s delay is not weakness, but strength in patience. He is waiting for people to respond to him and be saved from the judgment to come.
Aren’t we in the same anxiety and uncertainty and awareness of guilt? The First letter of Peter was written to draw the church into confidence and holy living. We are supposed to wait with a good conscience, not fear.