Although, I do not use the word ‘suffering’ frequently, I am very aware of the many manifestations of suffering as I care for and counsel people each day. Both Hebrew and Greek expressions lead us toward a greater understanding of this word. Some common meanings of suffering are: to allow, experience, endure, tolerate, sustain loss, or undergo judgment. Every human being will experience suffering, but will we suffer for believing and following Christ by making righteous choices or will we suffer for choosing to allow unbelief and evil to take dominion of our lives?
No one would make a deliberate choice to suffer; yet, we do suffer because the world is fallen and human nature is flawed—this we share in common. Suffering is a part of the Christian life; no one escapes a level of suffering. Sometimes we suffer alone and sometimes we suffer collectively, but at all times of suffering we still live in the grace and blessings of God. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers” (Mat 5:11). Remember, our purpose for living is to glorify Christ and, in order to fulfill God’s purpose for us, we will find ourselves suffering for God’s cause to make us like Jesus. Suffering is a place of spiritual refining that produces mature faith.
In our passage today, Peter reminds Christ’s followers to be prepared for levels of suffering, because sin loses its power when we exalt Christ in the midst of suffering. Much of our suffering is because of the war between Spirit and flesh. So, in the midst of suffering, Christ is delivering us from sin’s power [refining us].
Judgment is a part of suffering, as well. Humanity will experience the suffering of judgment by how and in whose power each person has lived. We reap what we sow. Therefore, people who truly know God do not deliberately persecute, seek to destroy, or inflict suffering upon others, nor do we rejoice or revel in another’s suffering (Pro 24:17). Mocking the misery of others is evil; it actually dishonors God. To do so reveals absolute ignorance of the character of God; the One who will one day serve as Judge for all humanity. Do not be a part of inflicting suffering or enjoying the suffering of others, because you open the door for suffering to visit you (Gal 6:7). Guard your hearts and actions, as well as watch your mouths!
1 Peter 4:12-19 NLT Suffering for Being a Christian
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 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also,
“If the righteous are barely saved,
what will happen to godless sinners?”
19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being with us in good times and even in our suffering. We know this world is not our home, so it consistently puts pressure against our allegiance to live for you. As well, we suffer as you refine us; so, in spite of the trials, may we remain faithful to the character of Christ. Holy Spirit, please be our Helper. In Jesus’ name Amen.