If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. [1Peter 3:13-14 MSG]
These verses reminds me of what Paul wrote to the Romans. He put it this way: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" God is always for us. Yet perhaps even more when our hearts are bent on doing good?
This passage reminds me of how there are often unintended consequences when we purpose to love and do good. In truth there is no greater example of one who suffered for doing good than Jesus Christ. In like manner we often suffer when we risk by loving and sacrificing the way that he did.
In reality loving like Jesus may lead to suffering. Love anyway. Doing good may have unintended consequences. Do good anyway. In the end we will be, as Peter writes, better off.
Help me Lord to, with all of my heart and soul, to do good and love others.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the epistles of Peter.
Amen. And to be humble, to surrender to His will, even in suffering, must be the best place to be.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike. Pain and suffering seems to humble us like little else can. Perhaps such humility is the key to loving and doing good?
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