Christians are called to patiently endure suffering, persecution, and injustice. Christ is our Example as the suffering Servant-Savior. He's sinless yet He willingly suffered (unjust punishment) for us/for our sins. We, Christ's followers, should be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ and His Gospel. We are called to endure so that others may see Christ in us. "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him." (Philippians 1:29) "Join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God." (2 Timothy 1:8b) Our loving endurance and Christlike responses to mistreatment from others can be used by God to draw them to Christ. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-11)
Jesus has no sin in His nature, nor does He commit any in His life. There's no deceit/falsehood in Him. He is perfect in every way. He is our Ultimate Role Model. Be like Christ! We are to imitate/copy Him in grace, love, humility, servanthood, submission, gentleness, forgiveness, kindness, holiness, long-suffering/patience, courage, and obedience. "Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2:6)
Prayer: Father, I am so grateful that Jesus suffered and died for my sins so that I may live with You for eternity! Please be glorified in my life, even in my sufferings. Please empower me with Your Holy Spirit to react and respond to injustice and ill treatment in love and Christlikeness. Please mold me to be more and more like Christ in every way. Please enable me to patiently endure and persevere, come what may. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
"If Christ be God and died for me, there is nothing too great that I can do for Him." (C.T. Studd)
We should do our best. Even within the Christian community there are so many who put self ahead of others and proudly boast of what they have done on their own.
ReplyDeleteYou give a good message here.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out