DECEMBER 3, 2024
“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” (I Peter 3:17)
The Apostle takes for granted that all humanity suffers. The wicked may appear to live trouble-free, (Psalm 73:5) but the way of the ungodly is not exempt from suffering, even at present. Setting aside the judgement and wrath to come, they often suffer from the hands of men as a result of wrong-doings, and also from the hand of God, Who causes sinners to “eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes.” (Prov. 1:31) Even so, when Peter says, “It is better that ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing,” he may have in mind the comparison suggested in the next chapter, where the sufferings of the righteous are seen as temporal, while those of the ungodly are not only more severe, but eternal. (Ch. 4:16-18)
The immediate context of Peter’s statement (regarding the suffering that is to be preferred) is an exhortation to be always ready to give an answer to enquirers for the hope that we have in Christ. We are also exhorted to keep a clear conscience, as there are those who speak maliciously against us, and slander us as evil doers for no reason other than our good behavior and well doing. In the previous chapter the Apostle offers this encouragement: “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (Ch. 2:12)
“It is better, if it be God’s will, that ye suffer for well doing…” The Christian seeks to do God’s will. Nothing quiets the mind and calms the soul more than this. If it is God’s will that we suffer for Christ’s sake, then we have the highest possible reason for continuing to give reason for our hope without fear. If we will what God wills, even in suffering, that makes it joyful. The Apostles, who endured far greater suffering than mere verbal attacks, departed from the council “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41)
When our thinking goes along with God’s, we willingly move with the stream of Providence, which will carry us with it even when we row against it. God’s children, convinced of their Father’s love and wisdom, know that His will is always best for them. Sufferings are unpleasant to the flesh, and it will grumble. But the voice of God’s Spirit in His children is similar to that of the good King Hezekiah: “The Word of the Lord you have spoken is good.” This is always to be our answer. Let the Lord do what seems good in His sight. We might think that the things we suffer should cease, but if our all-wise heavenly Father thinks otherwise, then Our Lord’s final answer must be ours, “Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” No soul will ever enjoy peace and contentment as much as when he renounces himself and only has God’s will.
Suffering will result from the path you choose to travel. If you choose the way of wickedness, you will not escape suffering, even though much of your motivation in taking that path may be to avoid suffering. For those who choose to follow Christ, He would have them to know that it requires taking up a cross. Thus, it comes as no surprise that suffering is involved, but it is far better to suffer for well doing than for evil doing.
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