Suffering For Being A Christian!

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.  But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? ” – 1 Peter 4:12-18

A preacher preached on these very verses years ago. And looking around our world today; there does seem to be great Truth in them, Truth that applies to our lives today.

Many of our current governments and cultures, not to mention people, do attack those who follow God’s Word. Sometimes Christians are hurt emotionally, sometimes physically and sometimes financially. The list is long…

But the great encouragement from God’s Word above comforts us, because it tells us that our suffering is not in vain! When we suffer for being Christian, it matters! It counts! And even better, it counts with the one who matters the most-God Himself!

So take Heart. We will not be the first to suffer and we won’t be the last. But our suffering will count with the one who matters most – Our Lord 🙂