Unjust Suffering

          There are times in our lives that we suffer unjustly and feel that this is so unfair and feel that we must strike out that it is part of our right as an individual to right the wrongs that have been dealt out to us.  In 1 Peter 2 & 3 this could not be further from the truth.  This is the verse that made it so clear to me.

²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. – 1 Peter 2:20

          So does that mean that we just lay there and take it all or do we stand up and do something about it?  Let me ask this, Who is the one that judges all things in this world?  Do you not think that He also suffers when you suffer?  Do you believe that He will deal with that injustice or do you feel that it is your job to judge and hand out the punishment?

          So when we suffer unjustly and God allows it the question then becomes, WHY?  1 Peter 2:20 above tells us that “…this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”  How on earth can that be?  The answer can be found in this next passage,

¹⁵ “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” – 1 Peter 3:15

          When we suffer, especially unjustly and show the world this steadfast confidence despite the situation we are currently going through, people are going to be scratching their heads.  This is not normal in society today, it is an eye for an eye.  When people see how we act or should be acting they are going to question what it is that gives us this strength and hope.  This is when we should be prepared to give them an answer and that answer is the love and hope that is in Jesus Christ.  He is our rock, one which has also suffered the greatest injustice in the beating and crucifixion for our sins when He was sinless.

⁴ As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, ⁵ you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,

a cornerstone chosen and precious,

and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

⁷ So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,”

⁸ and

“A stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offense.”

          So in close I just wanted to add that as we suffer we should always do so in a way that reflects Jesus Christ our Savior and when people ask how we could be so strong despite what is going on in our lives we then have the opportunity to lead them to the same saving Christ that can do the same for them.

“O God, give us patience when the wicked hurt us. O how impatient and angry we are when we think ourselves unjustly slandered, reviled and hurt! Christ suffers strokes upon His cheek, the innocent for the guilty; yet we may not abide one rough word for His sake. O Lord, grant us virtue and patience, power and strength, that we may take all adversity with good will, and with a gentle mind overcome it. And if necessity and Your honor require us to speak, grant that we may do so with meekness and patience, that the truth and Your glory may be defended, and our patience and steadfast continuance perceived.” – Miles Coverdale