We rejoice in so far as we share in the sufferings of Christ. Jesus’s own life serves as the pattern for all Christians. Following Jesus will inevitably involve imitating him in both sacrifice and suffering. We ought not be surprised at suffering and adversity. Instead, we must recognize that suffering for the cause of Christ is one of the great privileges given to those who represent him in this world.

Suffering may occur in life, with different reasons attached to the misery! Peter informs us never to suffer as one who has done something wrong, for example, as a murderer, thief, evildoer, or a meddler. While we may suffer for bad decisions and wrong conduct, Peter says we should avoid suffering as a result of wrongdoing.

Lord, provide us with grace and strength to suffer, not for doing wrong or practicing evil, but for loving Christ and representing his Kingdom.

The holy priesthood is to live holy lives before God and the world (1 Peter 3:12), allow their good works to bring glory to God (1 Peter 2:12) and even use worthless good conduct as means of winning unbelievers to Christ, even – or especially – within the context of suffering. Believers are being formed into a community of sanctified priests whose purpose is to worship God in the spirit by the performance of sacrificial deeds.

~ Uche Anizor and Hank Voss, Representing Christ. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2016. p. 47.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Live as Ambassadors, John 13.12-20

Book Reading
Anizor and Voss, Representing Christ

Our Corporate Disciplines
National Day of Prayer: Monday, September 12, 2022