suffering

Here are some verses from 1 Peter that we may want to just think about.

It seems these days there's something of the attitude that if we're Christians, our lives are supposed to be pretty wonderful, somewhat carefree, prosperous, successful, beacons of truth & wisdom, shining lights in a dark world, & yes, fairly easy.

When I encounter these attitudes in my fellow Christians, I understand why the rest of the world often thinks of us as smug jackasses.

I'm not sure if that is a true picture of the way things will be for us.

Peter talks here about suffering – a word not many of us wants to think about or accept as a real part of life here on earth – whether we're Christians or not.

We live in a world that is awry – it's a sinful world - & if we live in a world that is out of sync with God, well, we probably shouldn't be surprised that suffering exists.

We also live in a world that the way Jesus expects us to live to be fundamentally the opposite of what the world thinks is an acceptable way to live.

Anyway, read through these verses, maybe even read the entirety of the chapter in your own Bible.

And, if you want, comment below some of the things that may have stood out to you. (no flaming, please ;-)

1 Peter 4

1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain,

you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had,

and be ready to suffer, too.

For if you have suffered physically for Christ,

you have finished with sin.

2 You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires,

but you will be anxious to do the will of God.

8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other,

for love covers a multitude of sins.

9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

  10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.

Use them well to serve one another.

11b Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.

Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.

12 Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,

as if something strange were happening to you.

13 Instead, be very glad;

for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering,

so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory

when it is revealed to all the world.

  14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian,

for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

19 So if you are suffering according to God's will,

keep on doing what is right,

and trust your lives to the God who created you,

for he will never fail you.