Scripture

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2

Reflections

Is it possible to live this life free from suffering?

Granted, some may live more difficult lives than others.  Still, no one is free from suffering in one form or another. Everyone encounters hardship, pain, illness, and loss.

If we live for ourselves, there will be suffering.  If we live for God, there will be suffering.  Still, “It is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.” (1 Pet. 3:17)

Christ Jesus lived a life of love and service for others.  He was persecuted, reviled, despised, and ultimately tortured to death.  But what came from that?  Through his suffering and death, he has redeemed the world.  He has reclaimed the lost.  He has given us a new life with a living hope.  He has “called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet. 2:9)

Thus, as followers of Christ, we regularly put to death our own “desires of the flesh” and live for God.  We do not do so because we know it will make our lives easy.  We do so because we know love is the better way.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for selflessly suffering for me.  Although it is often hard for me to do so, help me to die to my own self-serving desires and live for you.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-6