How to Handle Affliction and SufferingSample

Other potential reasons for suffering

“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure?” (1 Peter 2:19-20)

When we are suffering, we need to carefully consider why we endure these sorrows. As we read yesterday, Christians are often attacked when they live according to God’s will, because Satan hates that. This is suffering for Jesus’ sake, and the Bible says this is “a gracious thing in the sight of God” (1 Peter 2:20). It is not pleasant at all, but it is no reason to be ashamed. Peter even says we are called to this.

However, there may be other reasons for our problems as well! As the apostle Peter points out, we may just face the consequences of our own stubbornness, stupidity or sin. If this is the case, we simply need to change! In such cases, we are not “suffering unjustly”. This has nothing to do with us being a follower of Jesus.

Another possibility we need to consider is whether God wants to correct us. If we live in sin, He may “discipline us for our good" as Hebrews 12:10 says. This is painful, but necessary. We need to learn our lesson from it in order to become more holy. He is drawing our hearts toward his.

If you are suffering, take a moment to reflect where your suffering comes from!