This Is a Gracious Thing

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God… 

“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:15-16,19-23

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

Countering the natural reaction to sorrow, suffering, and persecution, these writers soften their blow with the truth that it is a gracious thing to endure these hardships with Christ. Mindful of Him, God’s children understand better what He went took on their sake. Undergoing adversity for doing good, they taste His sufferings. Not only can they practically learn from His example, but are blessed in doing so. (Philippians 3:10)

A gracious thing? How can these weighty trials and anguish be a gracious thing? When considered in the light of Christ Jesus’s unjust condemnation and horrific crucifixion, enduring the cruelest death to serve our sentence and win our salvation, we are humbled. We see the trusting submission, the higher purpose, the agony endured for the joy ahead, and can begin to follow. The way is not easy, but it is strewn with grace and love and strength we would not otherwise know. (Hebrews 12:2-3)

What currently distresses us at work or home? Is there a trauma or tribulation that presses us down, and sad? Where are we struggling for breath to take the next step, or face the onslaught, or hope in the darkness? What if we claimed our freedom in Christ to walk with Him through the vale, and began to apply His example of trust, and submission, and enduring for the joy ahead? How might we begin to share His glory, and shine it to those who watch?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~R. Keen (1787)

Father, help me welcome every hardship as a gracious thing leading me to holiness.