Nobody likes pain and suffering. But as Christians, we must sometimes endure ridicule or even persecution, because the world stands in opposition to God. Even in our trials, we are blessed, because we suffer for the sake of the gospel, and even our hardship can advance God’s Kingdom. So we need not fear the opinions and hostility of the world, because when we stand with Christ, we are never alone.
And we pray:
Lord, as insults and glares are hurled my way, help me to remain steadfast in You. Even if others harm my body or shut me out of their fellowship, hold me close so that I may have the assurance of knowing that You are with me. Teach me to not fear the world and its ways, because my faith and hope are in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
None of us want to suffer. Often we actively resist suffering, and sometimes we view it as correction or punishment from God, especially if it is a fellow believer who is suffering! And yet in his first epistle, Peter tells his readers that if we suffer at the hands of ungodly people for righteousness’ sake, we are blessed indeed.
Paul reminds us that believers are not only called to trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation but also to be ready to suffer for His name’s sake. And as we go through life, we are even called to rejoice in our adversities, knowing that adversity and suffering works endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Indeed, in his first letter to Timothy, he explains that ALL who live godly lives WILL suffer persecution for the sake of the gospel.
Suffering for righteousness’ sake must never be confused with the suffering we experience as a consequence of our sin or wrong choices. If we suffer for doing what is wrong, we may have to face some serious repercussions. But if we suffer for doing what is right in God’s eyes; obeying His Word, holding fast to that which is good, proclaiming the good news of the gospel, or simply placing our faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour, we may well have to face mocking, threats, persecution, and death.
None of us want to suffer. Often we actively resist suffering, and sometimes we view it as correction or punishment from God, especially if it is a fellow believer who is suffering! And yet in his first epistle, Peter tells his readers that if we suffer at the hands of ungodly people for righteousness’ sake, we are blessed indeed.
Paul reminds us that believers are not only called to trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation but also to be ready to suffer for His name’s sake. And as we go through life, we are even called to rejoice in our adversities, knowing that adversity and suffering works endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Indeed, in his first letter to Timothy, he explains that ALL who live godly lives WILL suffer persecution for the sake of the gospel.
Suffering for righteousness’ sake must never be confused with the suffering we experience as a consequence of our sin or wrong choices. If we suffer for doing what is wrong, we may have to face some serious repercussions. But if we suffer for doing what is right in God’s eyes; obeying His Word, holding fast to that which is good, proclaiming the good news of the gospel, or simply placing our faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour, we may well have to face mocking, threats, persecution, and death.