Monday, September 29, 2014
1 Peter 3:17-18a For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God ...
CALLED TO SUFFER INJUSTICE
When people tell lies about Christians, or make fun of us, our natural instinct is to respond in the same way. To repay angry words with our own angry words. To repay slander with slander, and insult with insult.
But Peter says that the Christian should take the high road instead. The follower of Christ should note that it is better to suffer for doing right, than to suffer for doing what is wrong.
There is nothing to be admired when a criminal receives what their crimes deserve. But when a righteous person endures injustice because of they trust in God, that is admirable.
If you and I are going to bring this teaching into play in our own lives, we need to start with the small injustices. We need to learn to endure them with grace--forgiving those who commit them, and looking to God for the strength to respond with gentleness and love.
If we practice repaying the small evils with good, then we'll grow in spirit. Then we'll be prepared by God to face greater injustices in a way that brings honor and renown to the name "Christian"--to our Savior's name.
When we respond to evil with good, and refuse to settle the score ourselves when faced with personal injustice, we are exercising our faith in Christ's promise of ultimate salvation. And with exercise comes greater strength. Greater trust in Christ's promise, and a firmer grasp on the glory to come.
