Word@Work 1Pet30 - 1 Peter 2:19
Published: Fri, 06/05/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
GODLY SUFFERING
1 Peter 2:19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. (NIV)
Suffering is not fun. There is no natural reason to desire it, and everything in us wants to avoid it. Some grief comes through our foolishness, or as a consequence of living in a fallen world. But Jesus-followers may experience another pain which has no logic, except to attack the children of God simply because they belong to Him. Such suffering often comes in unexpected ways and unpredictable times. Prejudice and injustice should always offend the sensitive conscience, and when such wrongs come to our own door we certainly feel it. The issue for the Christian is: how to deal with it in a way that glorifies God.
It is a fact of the Christian life that Godly men or women will, at some time or another, experience rejection from people who do not bow to Jesus as Lord (cf 2 Timothy 3:12). The mental, emotional or physical pain is real, and we may be tempted to think that God has forgotten to be kind to us. Not so. When others reject us, it is important to accept God's kind commendation. He honours all those who honour Jesus (cf John 12:26). Don't take it personally, the attack is not so much directed to us as individuals, but as representatives of our Saviour: although our persecutors may not fully recognise their motives.
So what should we do? Today's verse tells us to 'bear up'. The situation is neither hopeless nor unexplained. We know that God will not allow anything that goes beyond what we are able to bear, with His help (cf 1 Cor 10:13). But we do have to bear it - that responsibility is ours - and refuse to allow it to crush us. The suffering is not only a trial but also a test (cf James 1:2-4), which will strengthen our faith and witness, if we do not give in to the temptation of self-pity. Every time we look at ourselves, deciding how to protect and preserve self, we cannot be looking to God at the same time. But when we look to Him, He will not only honour us but also provide a way for us to endure what is unfair - for His sake.
Prayer: Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus. Although I do not like rejection and the effects of persecution, please help me to accept that you commend me for being unashamed of Jesus. Help me to bear the pain-load and not to descend into self pity. May I be refreshed in Your love so that I may be a cheerful and positive colleague at work, living and working to Your praise and glory. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Suffering is not fun. There is no natural reason to desire it, and everything in us wants to avoid it. Some grief comes through our foolishness, or as a consequence of living in a fallen world. But Jesus-followers may experience another pain which has no logic, except to attack the children of God simply because they belong to Him. Such suffering often comes in unexpected ways and unpredictable times. Prejudice and injustice should always offend the sensitive conscience, and when such wrongs come to our own door we certainly feel it. The issue for the Christian is: how to deal with it in a way that glorifies God.
It is a fact of the Christian life that Godly men or women will, at some time or another, experience rejection from people who do not bow to Jesus as Lord (cf 2 Timothy 3:12). The mental, emotional or physical pain is real, and we may be tempted to think that God has forgotten to be kind to us. Not so. When others reject us, it is important to accept God's kind commendation. He honours all those who honour Jesus (cf John 12:26). Don't take it personally, the attack is not so much directed to us as individuals, but as representatives of our Saviour: although our persecutors may not fully recognise their motives.
So what should we do? Today's verse tells us to 'bear up'. The situation is neither hopeless nor unexplained. We know that God will not allow anything that goes beyond what we are able to bear, with His help (cf 1 Cor 10:13). But we do have to bear it - that responsibility is ours - and refuse to allow it to crush us. The suffering is not only a trial but also a test (cf James 1:2-4), which will strengthen our faith and witness, if we do not give in to the temptation of self-pity. Every time we look at ourselves, deciding how to protect and preserve self, we cannot be looking to God at the same time. But when we look to Him, He will not only honour us but also provide a way for us to endure what is unfair - for His sake.
Prayer: Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus. Although I do not like rejection and the effects of persecution, please help me to accept that you commend me for being unashamed of Jesus. Help me to bear the pain-load and not to descend into self pity. May I be refreshed in Your love so that I may be a cheerful and positive colleague at work, living and working to Your praise and glory. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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