The Trial" Peter teaches that God uses life's trials to help us become Christians, or grow in maturity as Christians. Each trial that we face is a witness to the "Genuineness" of our faith. To reassure us that God has saved us, and to reveal to others the difference that salvation makes.
1 peter 3:8-17 (verses taken from www.biblegateway.com)
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."[a]
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[b]; do not be frightened."[c] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
-Peter is suffering because he is doing none other than obeying God
-Peter is saying that the suffering is a weight that we are carrying around. It can also become an identity or an excuse to sin for some of us.
-We will suffer being Christians -- the level is rising too
-When people are hurting of suffering that is all they really think about
*How to help your suffering*
Get in fellowship before it gets even more hectic. (1 peter 3.8)
Use the bible in YOUR suffering (1 peter 3.9-11)
It's harder to believe God loves you when you are suffering (1 peter 3.12-14)
But the turn around of our sufferings can be used to share the good news and EVANGELIZE!! (1 peter 3:15-17)-- Sometimes your self suffering can become your identity and selfishness . Suffering people need to see that other people are suffering to share their love with them to possibly save them.
Jesus knows everything we are going through, and are going to go through. Jesus has experienced everything and can sympathize with you about your sufferings.
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