SUFFERING FOR DOING GOOD | Daily Bread | 6-23-24

00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Bible Passage
03:23 - Daily Bread Devotional
05:52- Prayer
1 Peter 3:8-22, KV 9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Daily Bread
1) Respond with kindness.
In a world where people often respond to hurt with hurt, Peter calls us to a higher standard. We are to be sympathetic, love one another deeply, and repay evil with blessings. This reflects the heart of Christ, who responded to hostility with compassion. Challenge yourself to respond with kindness when others are harsh in conflicts at school, work, at home, and with friends. Rather than being quick to let our emotions speak for us, we should be wise and remember to avoid useless conflict. Do you respond out of love or anger when you get hurt by others? When we remember how much love and grace Christ has given us despite our sins, we can offer that same response to others. Let’s follow Jesus’ example and choose to respond with kindness.
2) Endurance in suffering.
Peter reminds us that suffering for doing good is part of the Christian journey, but it comes with God’s blessing. Jesus Himself suffered unjustly, but trusted God’s plan, setting an example for us to follow. We will face rejection, persecution, and pushback from the world. Nevertheless, we can keep going with confidence because our suffering is temporary. Our true hope is in God's kingdom! 2 Corinthians 12:10 says, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." When you suffer for following Christ, don’t be discouraged. Stay committed to your faith by finding strength in prayer, fellowship with other believers, and remembering that Jesus is always with you!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, in a world quick to retaliate, help me to reflect Your compassion and humility. Strengthen me to endure suffering for doing good, trusting that You see and reward all. Teach me to bless others, to avoid revenge, and to keep my eyes on the eternal hope You offer.
One Word: Choose perseverance in the middle of suffering!
Photo by RyanJLane from Getty Images Signature
Music:
Theme: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.
Intro: Inspirational Acoustic - Organic Harmony by Sonican
Outro: My Love Medium by Grand_Project