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.
1 Peter 3:17 New American Standard
Bible (NASB)
Suffering for any reason is
not enjoyable. No one looks forward to it no matter how pious. Often we do not
know why we suffer, we are only aware of what is happening to us, not of why it
is happening. All suffering is the result of sin; whether it is the consequences
of our own sinful actions, of others’ sinful actions, or just the result of
living in a sin-cursed world. When this verse talks about suffering for doing
what is wrong, it is referring to suffering the consequences of our wrong
actions; whether we get caught and are punished, feeling the problems that come
from what we did, or some disciplinary action from God. If we do wrong we can
expect to suffer. Multiple times I have experienced strong flu-like symptoms
because of unrepented sin. I knew it was God’s discipline on my rebellious
heart, but often we aren’t sensitive enough to the Spirit to realize our
suffering is the result of our sin. (This does not mean that every time we are
sick it is because we sinned, that may just be the result of living in a
sin-filled world that causes sickness as stated earlier.) If we suffer for
doing what is right, however, that is persecution in some form. Many believers
have, are and will suffer for living a righteous life and believing in Jesus in
some way. If we haven’t yet, we likely will. Doing what is right and believing
in God will not protect us from suffering, but if we are to suffer, it is
better to suffer for doing what is right than for sin. If we suffer for sin
then we only get what we deserve, but if we suffer for doing right we will be
rewarded. Are you doing what is right? Are you suffering? Do you know why?
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