Saints’ Suffering
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” I Peter 4:16 NKJV Although suffering for sin is clearly a good service, suffering for righteousness is not necessarily a bad service, if self glory is not focussed. Temporarily, and in a world filled with wickedness and unrighteousness, the redeemed and righteous children of God are understandably aliens to its system of operations. Therefore, suffering for righteousness is the only way believers can be convinced they are still the ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom. It does implies that the services of their persecutors can be helpful, if graciously embraced for the glory of God. Sinners’ suffering is necessarily shameful; but saints' suffering is a proud expression of God’s grace. Therefore, if anyone suffers as a Compromiser, let him repent from his unrighteousness; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him glorify God for His righteousness.