Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
When we minister to people we are to use the gifts God has given us. Our goal in all that we do is to further the kingdom of God. Just like Jesus, we will be persecuted for our walk with God. But, instead of trying to defend ourselves and feeling sorry for ourselves we should rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer with Christ. Jesus was greatly rewarded for his suffering and we will be too. If we get in trouble for doing something evil we rightfully deserve punishment and God is not glorified, but, if we suffer for Christ then God is glorified. God is a righteous judge and he starts his judgment in his own house. His judgment to us is good and merciful. It will turn us around. But his judgment to the sinner will be much worse. They will be judged to eternal punishment.
Nobody likes to get caught for something they did. It is embarrassing and painful. But, it is God’s mercy to expose us here on earth so that we can be punished here instead of allowing us to take our sin with us to death. Then our punishment will be eternal and more devastating. God judges us here on earth so that we can repent and be washed of it once and for all. It is his kindness that leads us to repentance and sometimes his kindness is to expose our sins and discipline us. His discipline is uncomfortable for a short time but his lovingkindness is forever.
Lord, thank you that you are a good and faithful Father and that you deal with our sins as a loving father. We welcome your discipline in our lives so that we can repent and be spotless when we approach your throne.
1 comment:
Amen! Blessed that we can be white as snow!
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