suffering for glory

Good morning brothers and sisters,
Peter encourages the church that suffering for their faith is for God's glory and to their credit. That doesn't mean that any time they suffer it's a good thing. Often we suffer because we make bad choices; that doesn't glorify God. But when we suffer for doing the right thing, we can take courage because one day it will be clear that our faith is not in vain. Often the world is hard and life is unfair. Even in our suffering we can build up others and bear witness to the power of love. When we know that our suffering can be for the good, the power of evil weakens and we can find a measure of joy even in hardship. While all that is true, it doesn't change our obligation here and now to work to reduce suffering and combat injustice. Working for justice also gives God glory, and we can show love in joy as well as sorrow.

God bless,
Sam

1 Peter 4:12-19
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?” 19Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.