Christian Suffering

1 Peter 3:13-16 - Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.

Thoughts:  We need to share the good news with enthusiasm and without fear.  I have come to this point in my relationship with Jesus. I feel His blessing on a daily basis. Through the grace of God I am now always ready to give explanation or witness to what God has done for me that all may have hope as I have hope in the resurrection and saving power of Christ. We must not let our zeal for the gospel overtake the spirit of gentleness, the gentleness that is of Christ, the healer and redeemer of the world. 

You may be ridiculed or made fun of for your belief in Jesus but those are the people of this world. Be on guard as the attacks on us are often not obvious or overt. The devil will use things that sound good, from a secular standpoint, to tempt us to move away from the gospel. People may not ‘attack’ you directly but all of the talk and actions of those around us who are not walking in the light of Christ will attempt to erode or distinguish our light. Unfortunately, these attacks sometimes come while we are in what we consider a safe environment (church, family, school). We have been called to another existence, one with Christ as our purpose. But while we have a new life in Christ we are still called to be in this world as ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

We are called to be cheerful and enthusiastic for the sake of the Gospel. We will win people over by spreading the message through love and concern for our fellow man. It is through our love and caring that people will hopefully see the God that lives in us. We need to be slow to anger and slow in being offended. When people see that love for Jesus oozing out of us they will be drawn to Christ and hearts will change. If hearts change then actions will change and the face of the earth will never be the same. 

So, let's put on Christ and go out to meet the world this day and every day.