1 Peter has been more about suffering than I realized, but I think it’s important. We all face suffering, and Peter has given us a guide full of encouragement on how to persevere through it. I am grateful for the reminders to pursue Christ-like living, no matter the circumstances. Chapter 3 ended with Peter talking about how Christ suffered and died for our sins, so that we may be alive in the spirit.

1 Peter 4 opens with a call to be Christ-like in our suffering because he did not live in sin, he lived for the will of God, and we ought to do the same. Many of us have experienced a life of sin in our past where we pursued things of the flesh and things of this world, but now that we are in Christ, we have been made new. We are no longer slaves to sin, but to righteousness! The world doesn’t always like that.

Many people want to continue pursuing things of the flesh, but we can’t get sucked into that. We can’t let the things of this world pull us away from pursuing the righteousness of Jesus. It is also important to remember that we can’t judge the actions of people who don’t yet know Jesus. We can share God’s grace with them, but at the end of the day, we can’t force them to follow Jesus. We can trust that the truth of the gospel will reach their ears and their hearts.

In verse 6, Peter reminds us that the gospel is for everyone so that we may live according to the will of God. If someone in your life isn’t ready to accept the gospel, pray fervently. Verse 7 says, “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” Again, we must pursue the righteousness of Jesus and we must pray for those around us. The next verse says, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” ABOVE ALL we must love one another.

Disagreement should not automatically lead to division. We must continue to love one another, no matter what. If someone says something you don’t like? Love them. If someone does something you disagree with? Love them. Love doesn’t mean total agreement, but choosing to be patient and kind, even when you don’t want to. Peter says to love one another by being hospitable without complaint and using our gifts to serve one another. He says that this is how to share the grace of God. Our love, hospitality, and service can be used to glorify God.

Sometimes, when we experience suffering, our first response is to ask “why?” Why is this happening to me? We tend to think it is unfair and we struggle to manage our emotions about the situation (speaking from personal experience here). When I am struggling with my emotions, I tend to be a bit less loving than normal, a bit less hospitable, and definitely less willing to serve others. In verse 12, Peter tells us not to be surprised when we experience challenges as if something strange was to happen to us.

I think he writes this verse right after the call to love and serve because he knows what our response to suffering tends to be. He knows it is hard to manage emotions, but it doesn’t mean we have an excuse to stop loving others. There is grace and compassion for us when we are suffering, but we will all suffer at some point, and we can absolutely acknowledge the challenge in that, but we must continue to love.

We might be sharing in the suffering of Jesus right now, but we will also share in his glory. The suffering is temporary, but the glory is eternal. Keep going, keep loving, and don’t give up. I am praying for peace in the midst of your circumstances. I am praying for God’s children to surround you and help carry your burden. I am praying for strength to endure and His comfort while you do. I am praying for your faith and trust in Him to increase.

I don’t know all that you are experiencing at this moment, but I do know our Father. I know the love He has for you. I know the plans He has for you. I know that He is a Provider and Shepherd. I know He is close to the brokenhearted. I know He is your strength and refuge. I know He is Sovereign, powerful, and victorious. I know that the power of the resurrection is within you through the Holy Spirit. I know that because He is for you, no one can be against you.

As you begin your week, is there an area of your life that you need to trust God with? Is there anyone that you need to pray for, love, or serve? How can you rest in His presence and power this week?

Remember, the suffering is temporary, but the glory is eternal. May your hope be in Him today. I am grateful that we don’t have to walk this journey alone, because we are all Holy in Progress.

With love,

Erica

1 Peter 4

1 Peter 3

Holy in Progress