Devotional

LEGITIMATE SUFFERING

May 14, 2016 · Lanre Oyeleke · 2 views

1Pet3:17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! NLT

The issue of suffering amongst Christians is highly debated. The question has always been 'should Christians suffer for anything'? There is no direct 'yes' or 'no' answer to that question but we can take a cue from God's word on that issue. God doesn't want his children to suffer for what Christ already suffered on the cross. Your sickness, pain and sorrows were laid on Christ.

On the other hand, there are sufferings that result from doing the right thing, in such cases suffering becomes legitimate. Take for example, those that are imprisoned or tortured for the sake of the gospel or someone that was denied an opportunity because he couldn't lie or involve in shoddy deals, when such people suffer, that suffering has the stamp of heaven.

Apostle Peter said it is better to suffer for doing the right thing, if you suffer for Christ's sake, great is your reward in heaven. Today, Christians compromise because they don't want to suffer for righteousness sake. We become more like Christ when we suffer for doing the right thing and standing our ground against unrighteousness. It is nothing to be ashamed about, it yields for us a greater glory than we can ever imagine.

Action point

Father, I receive grace to stand my ground in righteousness even if it means suffering In Jesus name.

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