1 Peter 2: 19-25
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how it is to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats, instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
A Thought
The penalty for our sin came at a great cost to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He paid the painful cost in his body on a tree without any retaliation or threats made so that we could be healed from sin and sickness. This was completed that we might be brought back in rightful fellowship with God, our Shepherd and Overseer of our lives. Christ was given as our perfect example that we are to follow in his footsteps even to the point of suffering for the sake of the gospel. Yes, to endure in insults or beatings knowing that God will judge justly. The good news of Jesus Christ is our responsibility to proclaim so others may receive forgiveness of sin that only Christ can give.
Our Prayer
Heavenly Father we desire to live in your righteousness. Help us not to go astray, but to follow the example of Jesus to endure our cross as a sheep following his shepherd. Awaken us to a life of glory and honor to you. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
