A wrong kind of suffering

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.” 1 Peter 4v15 (KJV)

“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or any sort of criminal, or as a mischief-maker (a meddler) in the affairs of others [infringing on their rights].” 1 Peter 4v15 (AMP)

Now, while the Bible tells us “… be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” (1 Peter 4v14). The next verse tells us that “If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.” 1 Peter 4v15 (NLT). The Apostle Peter thus acknowledges in his letter that suffering could occur, but there is a type of suffering that as Christians we shouldn’t be having to face i.e. suffering that comes from such things as murder, or being a thief, or making trouble, or being a busy body. 1 Peter 3v17 (NLT) tells us “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” while 1 Peter 2v19-20 (NLT) says “For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.” Beloved, always choose to do the right thing and to glorify God, and endure patiently whatever consequences might come from that instead of resorting to do things that won’t bring pleasure to God.

Supplementary Text

“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.” Romans 13v3 (NIV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father we thank You so much Your love for us. We pray that You will glorify Yourself in our lives, in Jesus name we pray, amen.