1 Peter 3:17-18 NKJV
When it comes to suffering, honestly speaking, none of us – believers and unbelievers alike – want to suffer. Yet, all people will experience suffering because we live in a fallen world. Due to man’s disobedience, sin entered the world, resulting in death. So, in His infinite wisdom God uses suffering as a means of bringing about spiritual growth for His children, leading them into a more intimate relationship with Him. In scripture we are told; “Don’t be ashamed to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God that you belong to him” (1 Pet. 4:16 CEV). Therefore, it is essential that believers live so that their lives will daily reflect who they are in Christ. Jesus taught us in Matt. 5:11 that you are blessed when the world revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for His sake.
Peter continued his instructions on suffering: “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (v.17). Since we are “children of God, and if children then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Rom. 8:16-17). “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us (you) to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” (v.18). God wills that even in the face of opposition believers suffer for doing good not for doing evil.
Lift your voice and shout “Glory!”
4 replies on “Suffering for Right Is Better than for Doing Wrong”
I appreciate the reminder that suffering can have a purpose, as highlighted in 1 Peter 3:17‑18. Do you think this perspective helps people cope with everyday hardships?
Thanks for asking. Yes, whatever you’re experiencing daily, it is God’s will that His children trust Him in the good and tough times. The choices you make should please Him.
The article’s point that God uses suffering as a means to bring us closer to righteousness, even though we all face pain in this fallen world, offers a thought-provoking perspective.
Thanks, and I’m glad you were enlightened.