SUFFERING AS A WAY OF LIFE
1 Peter
4:12-5:11 Suffering comes about in a variety of ways. We suffer as a result of
our past actions, sins, addictions and choices. We suffer for being a
Christian, living as God calls us to live for Him. Suffering because of
ourselves is to be replaced with Godly suffering. As Christians, we will suffer
from resentment by others for our steadfastness to the truth. Our nature and
life of faith, love, patience will be resented by the less faithful and the
unfaithful alike. But doing good as a Shepherd means we accept this reality of
the Christian way of life. We go ahead anyway living as servants, examples,
reminders, submissive, humble, not self-seeking, alert and in love.
