Day 17 Of 20 (1 Peter 4:12-19)

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In nbsp John chapter 15 nbsp Jesus plainly tells his followers Remember what I told you nbsp A nbsp servant is not greater than his master nbsp If they persecuted me they will persecute you also How quickly we forget When we stand up for what we believe to be nbsp good and right nbsp sometimes people will mischaracterize nbsp us nbsp They may even impute all kinds of bad motives to us nbsp falsely nbsp Now don t get me wrong nbsp It is frustrating when we get unfairly painted as heartless bigoted nbsp or uncaring nbsp It feels very unfair because it is unfair nbsp But here is one thing it should not be nbsp It should not be a surprise as though something strange is happening to us I think sometimes we as Christians react in anger or with sarcasm because we ve forgotten what Jesus told us to remember nbsp We ve forgotten that Jesus said we should expect resistance and nbsp persecution Why did Jesus say that we should remember this nbsp Why does Peter insist that this should not come to us as a surprise nbsp I think it has to do with preparation and with managing our own expectations nbsp For example nbsp if I expect people to always be understanding and sympathetic in response my faith whenever they are nbsp unfair toward me nbsp and I feel nbsp misunderstood nbsp I might be unprepared to respond to them in the manner that God would have me nbsp to respond Peter and nbsp Jesus – I believe – are nbsp saying that even though my personal goal is to live such a good life that it attracts outsiders to the gospel nbsp I still should not be surprised if a nbsp fiery ordeal erupts nbsp around me instead In nbsp Matthew chapter 10 and in Luke 12 Jesus is clear that His truth will ruffle some feathers nbsp Yes Jesus is the source of life in peace to those who follow Him nbsp But He nbsp will also be a source of division and opposition from those who reject his lordship The Christian call is 1 nbsp to respond to curses with blessing 2 to pray for our enemies 3 nbsp to never stop hoping that they may find forgiveness and nbsp eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord Let s pray together Lord nbsp If we are insulted because of the name of Christ help us not to curse nbsp but instead to pray for our enemies nbsp please help us to desire repentance nbsp forgiveness and salvation for everyone even those who mistreat us May we show such love and courage that it causes someone to wonder about the reason for the hope that we have Help us to be ready with an answer nbsp But please may it be an answer that is shared with gentleness and respect In Jesus name we ask all of this nbsp AMEN Devotional number 17 of nbsp 20 is complete May God encourage you and bless you as you follow his leading today Take care Bro Mark Click here to visit this podcast episode