“But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” (1 Peter 2:20)
It amazes me when I hear some Christians judging other Christians or even other churches when they are going through difficulties and hardships. They make silly claims like, “They must be doing something wrong,” or “God must be punishing them.” You see, so many believers believe that if you are “truly” living for Jesus your life should be filled with nothing but blessings and prosperity. In other words, they think that if you are doing what God wants you to do, he will keep you from suffering.
These misguided souls seem to associate “a life of ease” with “a life of right living.” This is so far from the truth. Let’s take a closer look at what the good book says as we reflect on the Apostle Paul’s experience.
In 2 Corinthians 11:23-29, Paul says, “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”
If this was a job description for someone to work for Jesus, I doubt people would be rushing in and lining up for an application. You see, suffering is a part of this life. We live in an imperfect world and stuff happens. We all face it to some degree or another. In fact, those who suffer the longest and hardest, without giving up or giving in, may just be the strongest of the bunch that are faithfully living for and serving him.
If we must suffer, let it be for doing the right thing. If we suffer because of the poor choices we’ve made, let us turn to God who is willing to forgive us and see us through. Either way, God is there to help us in our time of suffering. So if you see a fellow Christian or church suffering through hardships, you may want to look at it from a biblical perspective. Instead of making a judgment, offer up a prayer to the lord on their behalf. I guarantee you this, your Father in heaven, who hears all things, will take notice of your loving call.
And when it comes time that you find yourself suffering, he will remember your gracious pleas on behalf of your fellow brothers’ and sisters’ needs.
Church Corner
