Reading Through The New Testament - November 10th, 2016 – 1 Peter 2

We can see this theme of grace continue in this chapter. Not only are we called to allow the grace of our lives to shape ourselves, but allow the grace of God to work through us and show that to others. Verse 19 stuck out for me. “For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment.”

What is interesting to me, is this is addressed to those who are slaves. God acknowledged that these slaves were in terrible spots in their lives. It says right there in verse 19 that it is often unfair treatment. But God still asked them to be obedient through that.

Think about it. You probably aren’t a slave. You probably also have a job or had a job that paid you. You were most likely never physically abused by your employer.

But maybe you have gone through hard things in your career. Maybe you have been laid off. Maybe things within your life are very hard to deal with. Maybe you feel like a slave felt. So how do we respond in those scenarios? Let’s look at verse 21:

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

I know that seems kind of harsh, but life sometimes isn’t easy. It’s the pretending that everything is is fine that can be dangerous. Because we live in a truly broken world, and we all will experience suffering. But the question is, what are you going to do with that suffering?