Suffering with Grace

"For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." I Peter 2:19-2

For it is commendable 

The word “commendable” is the Greek word for grace. God gives grace in suffering that he might bless us in the suffering. We could translate “commendable” as “favor.” We find favor with God when we endure suffering with God’s grace.We find favor with God when we endure suffering graciously. This is life on a  different level than those without Christ. This delights the heart of God for this is grace in action. 

The question isn't if you will suffer--you will, especially if you are the one we are writing to. We have walked this path.  The suffering is unjust--no doubt. The foundation of our faith is a Person—Jesus Christ. Intimacy with Him will make every difference during hard times.  Remember that Peter learned his lessons on suffering for Christ the hard way—through failure, guilt, and shame. We don't have to fail in this. God gives us the grace we need; He showed us in His word the steps to follow.  

This isn't about us giving you the steps on how to suffer gracefully. Let's look at the best example, as He suffered unjustly. 

When Jesus was accused, insulted and abused He stayed quiet, much to the surprise and annoyance of His tormentors. This world is very unfair, and we find ourselves in situations where we get so angry and confused at the unfairness of it all. Then the Holy Spirit reminds us that Jesus has gone before us; He suffered the greatest injustice of all times. He refrained from reacting, speaking or behaving in ways which would have appeared to be justified. Just think about how YOU would have handled it. We certainly imagine defending ourselves until SOMEONE would listen.  This helps us to give up our rage and commit ourselves to God who is bigger than the situation. Then we find peace and rest in our mind and heart.


Why did Jesus keep quiet? 

He had come down all the way from heaven for that moment, to die. The Father's will was clear, and the Father was asking Him to drink that cup which Jesus had asked whether there was any way to avoid. This cup meant DEATH.  It was total neglect, reversal and obliteration of justice; it didn't seem like justice would ever prevail. It was not for Jesus to argue, present evidence, calling for witnesses or supporters, get down from the cross, etc. He had to bear that injustice to the point of death. So, of course, He kept quiet. 

As a stander, as someone whom God has called to endure suffering for the sake of your marriage covenant, you are essentially signing up for neglect, rejection, injustice, and hate. Arguing, defending, giving ultimatums, yelling, calling for defenders.....none of this will get you to the goal.  You committed to this stand--until it was accomplished. Your covenant was "until death."  So, you suffer, not because there is justice in it. Not because it's easy to do. Not because you love your children. Not because you love your spouse. Not because you can't stand losing your spouse to another person.  You can use all of those things as help to stand, but your reason for standing MUST be because God has called you to be a stander. It is your purpose.

Was Jesus a soft person who allowed Himself to be bullied around? Far from it. He was always in command, never afraid to disagree with anyone or to stand against sin. He would only do what He really wanted to do. He didn't bow down before anyone. He told Pilate, to his face, (not with disrespect or pride) that he would have no authority over Him except what His Father gave.

 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given

 to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me

 over to you is guilty of a greater sin." John 19:11

There are times during your stand when you will need courage to change the situation, and at other times we need grace to accept things that can't be changed. We need wisdom to know the difference. We need this wisdom even in studying the Bible.

If God is good, then how could He allow this to happen to me?

I thought He loved me!

Someone needed to step in with answers to these questions.
Someone did. The Apostle Peter wrote from his own experience. The lessons Peter learned along the way are the principles he teaches in the book of 1 Peter. Lessons that can take you beyond the anticipation of suffering to the expectation of power and grace in the midst of suffering. Lessons to carry you through your darkest days. Lessons to show you how the light of God’s grace in Christ Jesus will penetrate your darkest days and fill you with a joy only those who continue to follow will ever know. But, you’re going to need every resource available. Dig into His Word, and He will show you the way to allow His glory to shine through all of your suffering.

“I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you,

and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”

(1 Peter 5:12)