Suffering (12) and Good Works
Christians should respond to suffering with good works. Peter does not call for passive resignation to suffering, but demands a demonstration of love towards our enemies through active kindness. Over and over again Peter urges the Christians to do good works (1 Pet 1:15; 2: 12, 13; 3:6, 11, 13, 17; 4 19). He is not suggesting that salvation is by works, but rather he is concerned that persecution may cause Christians to withdraw from their society. Instead of retreating, we should actively attack evil by doing good, whenever we can. Suffering should not diminish our zeal for performing acts of love, but spur us on.
If Christians who are persecuted respond in these ways, they will bring glory to God through their suffering. They should refrain from retaliation and commit their cause to God.
1 comment:
Good thoughts here, Ron. This reminds me of my Anabaptist upbringing. I left it as an early Christian, and in some ways regret that. But certainly the answer to suffering involves doing good works, and good even to our enemies.
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