Devotion: 1 Peter 3:14

1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

The early church faced many threats to their safety, so it is not out of the ordinary to see the Apostle Peter mention suffering for righteousness’s sake . Followers of Jesus scared the rulers and non-Christian cultures with their loving religion. Who would have thought love could be so frightening?

While many suffered for righteousness, many, including the Apostles, lost their lives for it. Peter said those who suffer are blessed, which sounds contrary to what we think it should. But he said that to encourage the early Christians. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). They drew comfort in knowing death was not the end and they’d be with the Lord in heaven.

Christians today also face persecution. Groups like Voice of the Martyrs share stories of persecution and oppression around the world. Those of us in first world countries find it hard to believe people are still being killed for their faith in Jesus, but it is true. And it isn’t just in third world countries. Look at the school shootings where Christians were gunned down. Look at how many church shootings have taken place. There are stories of suffering for faith in our own communities.

Peter encouraged those he penned his letter to telling them not to fear, referencing Isaiah 8:12 which tells the Israelites to fear God, not man. We should remember that suffering for what is right, our faith, is free from judgment. But suffering for what is wrong, the sins of our life, will exult in consequences. God will judge us for the sins, but we are blessed when we suffer for righteousness.

As believers we wee never promised an easygoing life. Be sure you are not adding more trouble by choosing sin over righteousness. Therefore, choose today to be holy and blameless (1 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:13) because the Lord delights in those whose ways are blameless (Proverbs 11:20).

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