This week, I finished up my Read. Write. Pray. journey in 1 Peter. This is one of my favorite books of the Bible, and I’ve read it a few times, but this time I picked up a new, insightful, convicting lesson that hadn’t really hit me before.
Every time I hear people talk about 1 Peter in a general way, and when I think about 1 Peter, it is the message about joyfully suffering for your faith in Christ. And it’s no wonder; there are several places where suffering like this is mentioned:
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hopethrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved byvarious trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3b-9 (ESV)
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.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. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 2:18-25 (ESV)
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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, 16 having a good conscience, so that,when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:13-17 (ESV)
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore,confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:8-10 (ESV)
See what I mean? It makes sense that this is what people think about when they think about 1 Peter.
How Can I Suffer Joyfully?
Many, including myself, have read these verses and wondered, “how on earth can I be joyful and praise God while I go through suffering?” It sounds so counter-intuitive, so against our nature. Especially those in first-world countries, like myself, feel strongly compelled to find comfort and safety because that’s how our world has been laid out for us. Why would we be happy enduring something we’ve unconsciously been conditioned to avoid?
The big issue here is pride. We are caring more about ourselves than we are for God, his glory, his will, and his people. And what is the opposite of pride? Humility.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
A Big Piece of Humble Pie
Being humble and suffering joyfully are separate concepts that are technically inseparable. Without humbling yourself – that is making yourself less important than someone else, which in turn makes them more important – you cannot view your own suffering as something to rejoice in. It is only by valuing God and his will above your own well-being that you can rejoice that you are being persecuted for your faith. This is why we have such a hard time sharing the gospel with others: we are more concerned about how others are going to view us and treat us than we are with saving the lost.
So here it is: be humble. Put God’s will ahead of your own. Love others with God’s love, which includes telling them about Christ because you love them too much to see them go to hell. Rejoice and praise God when his will is accomplished, no matter the personal cost.