1 Peter 2:19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.
Not all masters in the Roman Empire were kind to their slaves. Many slaves were treated as property to be done with as one pleased. They experience abuse, beatings, rejection, and other forms of cruelty. Their suffering was not justified but only at the whim of their masters. Peter commends such people for enduring their difficult situations. It said something about their faith in God. They had an awareness of God’s presence and God’s watch over them. They had confidence in the salvation offered through Christ and a healthy fear of God.
When we find ourselves in a difficult position of being under the authority of someone cruel, mean, or is just a poor leader, we can follow the example of ancient Christian slaves. In some jobs or families, believers experience difficulty because of their faith and because of the cruelty of their leaders. This can be subtle and even small, but it can wear on people over a long period of time. Ancient slaves had no choice about gaining freedom. We sometimes may have a choice about where or for whom we work. Paul encouraged slaves to gain their freedom when they could (1 Corinthians 7:21). But sometimes a person may be locked in and stuck where they are. When that happens, we must call on God to give us the strength to endure.
For older posts, click here.