June 18 – 1 Peter 3:8-22
Blessed are you who suffer for the sake of righteousness.
When I think about blessings, I often think of rainbows and butterflies, an easy life. I think of thankfulness, lack of trials, and happiness.
Yet, in reality, blessings come due to something in contrast to something. What do I mean by that? We come to a point in life when we learn that the position of our hearts and selves must be in the proper position to receive blessings. We are not blessed ‘just because,’ no, we are blessed because of purpose.
In today’s reading, such blessing comes while suffering and persecution for Jesus. It sounds contradictory, right? Yet, persecution is an earthly experience, while the blessing God bestows upon us is Spiritual. It is something no other being or entity could possibly hope to touch.
In our quiet time with God, we were reminded that it is an honor to suffer for Him. Take a look at verse 15: in our hearts, honor God. What a privilege to honor Him even while at the hands of those who seek to destroy that faith and honor.
Blessed are you who, in your suffering, praise our great God, who do not lose faith, who allow joy to fill your hearts. Blessed are you who do not hide and cower and deny Him. Blessed are you.
My Verse: “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.” 1 Peter 3:14
My Response: Jesus, I praise You for You alone are perfection. You went before us in perfection, in God’s perfect will, and You alone suffered so that we could suffer with all joy. Before You, I bow, before my enemy, and declare Your sovereignty. Give me the strength to do so even when in the worst of things!
(Further Reading: Matthew 5:10)
