Sufferings

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 

1Pe 4:13  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 

1Pe 4:14  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 

1Pe 4:15  But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 

1Pe 4:16  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.  

Two kinds of sufferings. There are the sufferings of pain in the body and there are the sufferings of the emotions caused by unkindness and or rejection.  A Christian can be a witness in how he or she goes through times of bodily pain.  We are not exempt from the things that come on all others. When Jesus went to the cross he suffered excruciating pain in body and also rejection. He did this so that we may be forgiven by God of our failings. Think of pain as a test. God knows the pain you feel and we look to him for relief.  Who knows but what you are going through may be the way that others are drawn to Christ Jesus?  

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.  A childhood saying.  Truth is, words do hurt.  May we learn to not use hurtful words? If we suffer for doing wrong? That's our fault.  If we suffer for doing what is good and right, then you are in the sufferings of Jesus. Rejoice in this. You will be rewarded by God because your life would bring glory to Him.  Are we to look for ways to suffer? Are you crazy? Haha, God loves you, isnt that enough? Give your life to Jesus and he will give you grace and mercy to live an overcomers life.

My Jesus, I Love Thee