“But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, - 1 Peter 3:14-16 (ESV)
Who looks forward to suffering? No many of us I’m sure. Our verse today, from the first letter written by the Apostle Peter, says “even if you should suffer.” The real intent of Peter is to let us know that the ‘if’ is really a ‘when.’ Suffering is a real thing that every believer in Jesus should expect. Many have been taught by a false gospel to question God’s sovereignty when suffering comes. Scriptures says we should expect it. But we are promised blessings if we suffer for righteousness sake. As we have learned, the word blessed also means ‘happy.’ Suffering, believe it or not, if it comes because we are standing and speaking for Jesus will bring us happiness. That can be hard to accept because no one enjoys suffering. We are called to honor Christ the Lord in our hearts and look beyond and into our promised future. We are instructed to be ready to defend why we believe Jesus and explain our reasons. And we are also instructed to do so with gentleness and respect. Our promised blessing is ours when we do so. Let’s be ready today to do so.
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