Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Sat, 05/12/2009 – 18:15
Bible Book: 1 Peter / 1 Petrus
Chapter: 2
Verse: 19 – 25
1 Peter 2:19-25 There are many HIV positive people who are suffering because of society’s prejudice. This prejudice very often stems from such people’s own limited understanding of the sickness and from the attitude that those who are sick “have asked for” the infection by the way they have been living The facts are, however, that so many people are the victims of circumstances over which they have had no control. Now they have to suffer – and the judgement of society makes their suffering even worse The Word tells us to look differently at undeserved suffering: For it is commendable if a person bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because she/he is conscious of God. This reminds us of Matt 5:10 that says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Because undeserved suffering is a blessing for the believer, we must also respond differently to it, says Peter. Our first reaction usually is to want to assert ourselves, not to let others dishonour us. But this brings us nowhere; only makes us get drawn into a process of attack and counter attack. The Christian’s reaction should be to respond like Jesus (verse 22 and 23). Jesus (therefore we too) does not fight his own case, but leaves it to God who rules with justice That is the challenge of being a Christian: to show your strength in apparent powerlessness, to leave your case in the hands of the Living God, the One whom we know as the Good Shepherd. He will let you feast at his table, while those who judge you can only stand and watch. To think about (of discuss): What difference does the knowledge that Jesus – who also suffered but who lives – makes to how you handle suffering?
Author: N du Toit (Ds)
Language: English