One of the readings for the Sundays in May was from 1 Peter chapters 4 and 5. In 1 Peter 4:12, Peter says that suffering is not strange and that we ought not be shocked by it. However, what I found interesting was the type of suffering. It says, “don’t be surprised by the fiery trials among you.” It was the first time I’ve read that, realizing Peter may be talking about the suffering we inflict upon one another in the church. We see this suffering all the time at Amazed. Pastors using unhealthy practices and imposing them on congregations. Congregations expecting their pastor to do anything and everything they expect from them. Whatever the case, we see a ton of suffering.
What does Peter suggest? That’s what IS surprising. He says, “rejoice, because you share Christ’s suffering” (1 Peter 4:13). Jesus was hurt not only on the cross, but throughout his life. People did not take his word for what it was. His disciples let him down, betrayed him, and abandoned him. He was mocked by the very people he loved. We rejoice in our suffering because it reminds us of the one who suffered for and suffers with us now. It reminds us that the suffering servant is always with us. More importantly, it reminds us that most of the suffering we endure comes from people who are just scared or hurt, not evil and conniving. Peter urges us to rejoice to refocus our hearts and minds onto our Lord, Savior, brother, and friend.
When we do that, we can follow through with the rest of Peter’s wisdom. In our rejoicing, we realize our humanity: that we are not as strong as we wish we were, that we have made mistakes that have hurt others, and that we need one another. In our humanity, we hang onto humility; humility that urges us to repent and reconcile with others. As Peter says, “God stands against the proud, but gives favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5b). So, we humbly go to one another with an open heart and repentant lips.
Finally, we “resist the devil” (1 Peter 5:9) and his desire to have us hurt one another or live in fear of what God is doing in our community. We stand firm in the faith that the Lord does not lead us down a path of division but of unity. We work together through our differences rather than listen to the most powerful or play games with one another. We do so not just for the hope of God’s glory to be made known in out cities and communities. We work together in the hope that we can end the suffering amongst us and everywhere else.
Nate Whittaker, Coach
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