"But, God....!"

Lately, I have been given many opportunities to suffer...and not just to suffer, but to suffer unjustly. As a result, my prayers have more been to remind God that I am not in the wrong here! So, where would my sin first, worst, and most apply in these kinds of events?

Through wise counsel, I was reminded of this passage:

Peter 3:8-19

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

"Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.Have no fear of them,nor be troubled,but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that,when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death(AF) in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,"


Christ had purpose in His UNJUST suffering...so 1. why would it be legit for us not to suffer unjustly and 2. isn't there also purpose in our suffering (Romans 8:17)? I also think about Romans 12 which says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you,live peaceably with all."

Understand that I am not sharing this post out of a "woe as me" or "look at me" heart. I am sharing it because honest unjust suffering is inevitable and we can always apply the "my sin first, worst, most" principle..I mean, it was in fact OUR sins for which Christ suffered...UNJUSTLY!

Reading 1 Peter over and over, in conjunction with Romans 12, has taught me much about my responsibility in suffering, and particularily in responding to others' persecution.

I'm still working on the "keep your tongue from evil" and trying earnestly to pursue holiness in Christ's strength....it's so hard to when you are suffering unjustly not repay the evil with gossip and slander, even if it's not directly to the offender....but I know that the Lord is faithful to complete all that He has started and to polish us with throughout our sanctification.

We have so much to praise Him for!