Reading: “Suffering” comes in all kinds of different forms. There are countless ways that we can and will suffer in this life. Some are less serious and some very serious. Some suffering only disturbs your mood and some change every aspect of your life.  

Let’s look at the Chicago Cubs fanbase. They had to wait 108 years between championships.  They got mocked and made fun of, and they became a joke throughout major league baseball.  This fan base experienced over a century of this “suffering”. Then, you have Steve Bartman that has experienced a different type of suffering as a Cubs fan. If you don’t know about the Bartman incident, just “google” his name, and it won’t take you long to understand the intense personal suffering he went through for interfering with a foul ball during a playoff game. Using this silly illustration, I hope you can see the reality that suffering comes in a variety of degrees and forms.  

Today’s text is about a very distinct kind of suffering – suffering for following Jesus. Peter helps us develop an understanding of how we should view suffering, a kind of suffering which the world will not teach us. First, in verse 14, we see that if and when we are insulted because of the name of Christ, it’s a blessing because it reveals that we in fact do belong to Christ. Jesus said it like this in his sermon on the mount, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven”  (Matthew 5:11-12a).  When we understand that our reward in heaven is greater and lasts longer than anything on this earth, we will be able to rejoice when we suffer for bearing the name of Christ. 

Secondly, Peter teaches us, in verse 15, not to pursue suffering for the wrong reasons. All suffering is not created equal. All suffering is not counted as blessing. When we sin we will experience well-deserved suffering and we should not boast or rejoice in this suffering but quickly repent from the action that caused this unnecessary suffering. 

Finally, Peter exhorts us not to be ashamed for suffering as a Christian and to remain faithful to God. One of the hardest truths in the Christian life is to endure suffering and not to flee it, but to remain faithful. This is exactly what Peter was calling the church to then, and it is what God is calling the church to today! 

Stand firm through suffering!

Reflection:  Think of someone you have seen suffer well. Now think of someone who you have seen suffer not so well. Which one showed they were living with eternity in mind? What can you learn from watching others suffer and what can you learn from your own suffering?

Prayer Prompt: God, if we are honest, no one wants to suffer. But you tell us that we will have trials if we follow you. So, give us strength to suffer well for your sake, and help us keep eternity in mind.