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Suffering for Doing Good

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1 Peter 3:8-17

Submitted by dave on Thu, 02/03/2011 - 11:19

 1 Peter 3:8 ¶  Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10  For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11  He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 13  Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

    16 ¶  keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17  It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
 
   I'd like you to consider verse 13 of this section of the Bible, "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?" I usually considered this from the point of view of open, official persecution. From it, I thought of early Christians, those in hostile environments, some under authoritarian regimes. 
 
   A conversation changed all that. A Christian servant was crushed in spirit. While faithful to God, this saint had often volunteered to help others with a class, a project or a chore. Inveriably, the others would leave this person with the responsibility. As a result there was real hesitation to team up with anyone. They always deserted! The burden was compounded by some bitterness, then guilt, then a sense of failure.
 
   Sadly for Christians with a burden, being left holding the bag is common. I think it is a case of suffering, "for what is right," (verse 14). You're willing to help, and then you get burned! This doesn't have to happen very many times before one becomes just a bit gun-shy about responding to needs in a fellowship of believers. How many Christian workers end up shouldering the load of ministries, just because they are willing to help -  then get to finish the course alone?
 
   Take heart, fellow-laborers. Can I encourage you to stay the course in Christian service? This is precisely the suffering that God has addressed in this portion of the Bible. It goes on to tell us not to fear, but rather to re-focus on Who it is we are serving. We should determine to keep our conscience clear so that God can bring shame on those who "slander" us. It is a case of voluntary suffering and a willingness to face it with Christ's sense of mission.