'Can we talk?', Michele wrote to her friend, 'I don't understand... I've always done good, thought well and tried to be as good as possible, so why do I have to go through all this? It seems so unfair and there's no one who understands.'
How many times have we thought or spoken the same words as Michele? There is a lot of suffering that life brings in many different ways. Peter in this morning's verse refers to the suffering that comes from remaining steadfast in the Word of the Lord. Peter, in fact, encourages Christians to do good and what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Many times, people misunderstand your actions and end up slandering you. When you strive to live a holy life, friends make fun of you. When you refuse to participate in unethical behavior, you are labeled. When you avoid the false benefits of the world, people look down on you.
Peter encourages us not to be intimidated and dismayed when this happens. As humans, we may have a tendency to feel rejected, humiliated, and even alone. However, consider all this a blessing that will transform you into a person faithful to the Lord. Fear the Lord and seek His wisdom to handle these situations with love and grace. Ask the Lord to help you forgive as He also has forgiven you. Pray that your fear will be replaced with faith so that Jesus will be glorified through our lives!
This morning we want to pray together saying: Heavenly Father, I want to keep my faith in You firm. I know you are faithful and will help me get through everything. Let nothing shake my trust in You. In the Name of Jesus... Amen!
With love, Ivano Salerno