Suffering in the Right

1 Peter 3:17 says "It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." It can be incredibly difficult to suffer wrongfully. Wrongful suffering can take many forms-not just persecution or vindictiveness. It can take many common forms, often involving people you love and who love you.

For example, a friend could blame you for something in your friendship that is not your fault, and which you can clearly see is in fact their fault. You may be right about that, but if they don't respond to you pointing that out in a gentle and non-accusatory way, the thing to do isn't continuing to insist that you are right. More than likely, the godly response is to let the issue drop-even if the other person still thinks you are in the wrong.

This is especially hard for me to do, since one of the things I hate worst is being wrongfully accused and having people think things are true of me that aren't. It's hard for me to let it go when someone (especially someone I care about and have a strong relationship with) thinks I'm wrong and I know I'm not. But I know from experience that arguing the point is likely to lead to unnecessary strife, and even if I eventually prove my point the other person probably won't think any the better of me than they did in the first place.

Two minor points should be clarified. First, letting matters go isn't always the correct response. Major issues probably ought to be cleared up before serious misunderstandings develop. Second, it is possible that you will realize you WERE in the wrong all along. If that's the case, you've avoided looking foolish by letting the matter go.

Obedience and blessings

I am fascinated by the way God blessed the kings in the Old Testament if they followed His commandments, and brought them hardship if they didn't. There was a direct correlation between obedience and material blessing. I often think about that in my own life, and frequently I am motivated to do right because I believe (according to the Bible!) that I will be blessed for so doing. This applies both to issues of clear-cut temptations of sin and other issues where I could do something good or not do anything at all.

I sometimes wonder whether doing something because I believe God will bless me for that decision is materialistic of me, and whether it is really a good reason to do something (for example, helping out with the dishes at home when no one is around to approve of my helpfulness). I wonder whether it is only best to do something when I'm motivated simply by my love for God and a desire to please God and bring Him honor by doing what is right.

But there are two good reasons to not let this concern get in the way of doing something good. First, it's always good to do a good thing. Second, Jesus said that those who love Him are those who keep His commandments. Therefore, if I do what is right I am loving God simply by the act of doing right! In addition, I can pray for God to give me more of the "feeling" of loving Him, and I trust that will happen little by little. In the meantime, I can go on loving God by doing what is right, no matter what my motivation happens to be.