I Peter 4:1‭-‬2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

I can’t find a more palatable way to put this:

NOT ALL SUFFERINGS ARE BAD, SOME SUFFERINGS ARE GOOD AND ARE PERMITTED BY GOD FOR OUR REFINEMENT.

Yeah, yeah yeah! I know. That seems easier said than done or experienced. One lady said, “Pastor, you won’t be saying that if you were on the receiving end.” But I am not the one saying it. There are so many scriptures that show that pain and suffering is part of the molding and growth process, like the one above. It says to the children of God to ARM THEMSELVES TO SUFFER AS CHRIST DID. And it adds that the suffering is a way of WEANING or SEPARATING you from the deeds of the old sinful nature.

II Timothy 3:12 says,

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

You will definitely suffer something if you are really living the proper Christian life. ALL WHO DESIRE TO LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS WILL SUFFER PERSECUTION. That means that, there is a problem with your Christian walk if all is pink and rosy all the time for you. If nobody ever steps on your toe, no insults and abuse, no discomfort or persecution or pain, then you are too comfortable and probably doing little in your Christian living.

The Amplified version says,

Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].

SETTLE DOWN MY FRIEND, SUFFERING IS PART OF THE PACKAGE. Have a beautiful day in His Name.

                GRACEFUL MORNING