1 Peter 2:23 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.
This is the type of response we should give when we face suffering for doing good. Jesus lived out his obedience to the point of being killed. This verse refers to Isaiah 53. It describes the suffering that Jesus went through during his ministry especially the last week. It is a historical reflection upon the actual physical and emotional suffering Jesus experienced. People do two actions to Jesus and Jesus responds in three ways. Our natural reaction to when we are threatened is threaten back and protect ourselves. Jesus chose to suffer because he knew he was innocent. There may be times when we need to stand up for truth and justice. There are also times when we must choose the way of suffering in order that we may witness to the grace and love of God. It can be difficult to know when to respond and when to suffer because the Bible gives examples of both. In those times when suffering seems the best route because it will bear witness more to grace and love, like Jesus we can entrust ourselves to God’s care. God is the judge and sees our motives.
For older posts, click here.