Suffering (13) and Comfort

Although Peter sees suffering as part of God s will for Christians, he does not diminish its seriousness. Rather he calls it a fiery ordeal (1 Pet 1:12). He does not pretend that the Christian life is easy, but declares that it will be hard. This is demonstrated by the urgency with which he encouraged the people receiving his letter. By pointing out the glory which is theirs, and the benefits which their suffering will bring, he hopes to comfort them.

Peter has suffered, so he knows how hard suffering can be. He urges the Christians not to lose heart, or be overcome by their difficulties. If we hold fast, then the God who has called us will bless us, and bring us into his glory. In our suffering we are sharing with Christ, and this is the greatest privilege that anyone can have. So even in the hardest times we can rejoice. Then we will be able to share with him in all his glory, when it is eventually revealed. This is a glorious message for us, should we ever be called to suffer for the name of Jesus.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1 Pet 5:10).

This is my final post on Suffering. The full series is available at Suffering.

Tags: Suffering, Peter, Comfort