EASIER TO BEAR
0 views
Skip to first unread message
Brentwood Women
Oct 15, 2009, 10:46:03 PM10/15/09
to Brentwood Women
Does unjust suffering become more bearable for one who is "conscious
of God?"
of God?"
Kay
Oct 16, 2009, 11:50:59 AM10/16/09
to Brentwood Women
On Oct 15, 9:46 pm, Brentwood Women <brentwoodwo...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Does unjust suffering become more bearable for one who is "conscious
> of God?"
a week - & my lap-top was on the blink. I couldn't wait to get home &
try to catch up on all the "chatter." My first thoughts on "conscious
of God:" Paul told us to do "all to the glory of God." Everything we
do should be done for the Lord's sake (I Pet. 2:13) & as His servants
(2:16). As we revisit all the titles Peter has used in referring to
the letter recipients (& to us) - chosen, royal & holy priesthood,
etc. - we realize we are representatives of Jesus Christ - & all we do
should be to His glory & for the good of the Kingdom! Sounds like a
life-style - which is evident whether times are good - or when unjust
suffering is occuring. Evident whether I work for a boss who is
unfair or deal with a mother-in-law who has a sharp tongue!
Kay
Amanda
Oct 16, 2009, 5:28:58 PM10/16/09
to Brentwood Women
Through being conscious of God we are reminded that He judges justly
(1 Pet. 2:23) and that our ultimate goal is heaven. With this
knowledge we know that our sufferings here are not permanent but
merely fleeting. These thoughts make unjust suffering easier for me
to bear. I know that I have a higher calling and that my suffering
will end. Another thought that struck me while reading this passage
about unjust suffering is that unjust suffering is the only way for us
to share in Christ's sufferings. All of his suffering was unjust. He
was blameless, yet he suffered greatly for my guilt. I cannot fathom
suffering to the extent that Christ did on the cross, justly or
unjustly, and that is a very humbling thought to me.
(1 Pet. 2:23) and that our ultimate goal is heaven. With this
knowledge we know that our sufferings here are not permanent but
merely fleeting. These thoughts make unjust suffering easier for me
to bear. I know that I have a higher calling and that my suffering
will end. Another thought that struck me while reading this passage
about unjust suffering is that unjust suffering is the only way for us
to share in Christ's sufferings. All of his suffering was unjust. He
was blameless, yet he suffered greatly for my guilt. I cannot fathom
suffering to the extent that Christ did on the cross, justly or
unjustly, and that is a very humbling thought to me.
Christiana
Oct 17, 2009, 11:37:32 AM10/17/09
to Brentwood Women
I echo Kay's sentiments to you Megan. You are not alone out there. I
am reading and thinking with you and the things you post. It is
helpful to me when you post a discussion topic every week to direct my
thoughts. Thank you!
I agree with you Amanda that this passage makes me realize that I
cannot understand the suffering that Christ did on the cross for us.
This passage bothers me (and I think that can often be a good thing)
for several reasons.
Peter says to submit to every authority instituted among men. I've
read this passage before and it has always unsettled me because I
wonder, "what about rulers across the world who are massacring their
own people. What does this passage say to the Christians in those
parts of the world? What does this passage say to us when we have
those in authority who seek war because of greed and pride? Are we
supposed to follow them blindly? Is Peter telling us to let them
trample us and not seek justice?" I read later in the passage that we
are to 'bear up under unjust suffering.' Is that what Peter is really
saying? That those in war torn places are supposed to 'bear up' under
their evil rulers? I don't know. Maybe someone can enlighten me on
this because I don't understand.
I thought that Christ sacrificed himself for us so that we wouldn't
have to offer our own blood for our own sins. Are persecuted
Christians and those suffering unjustly called to continue to offer up
blood unjustly in order to share in Christ's sufferings? And are we
who watch this injustice supposed to let it happen? What about caring
for those who are weaker?
This is a hard passage for me to understand.
Maybe I would understand the passage better if I'd truly felt this
unjust suffering that Peter's audience were feeling. Maybe Peter is
saying there is something blessed in suffering in this way as Christ
suffered and I will never understand that.
Christiana
am reading and thinking with you and the things you post. It is
helpful to me when you post a discussion topic every week to direct my
thoughts. Thank you!
I agree with you Amanda that this passage makes me realize that I
cannot understand the suffering that Christ did on the cross for us.
This passage bothers me (and I think that can often be a good thing)
for several reasons.
Peter says to submit to every authority instituted among men. I've
read this passage before and it has always unsettled me because I
wonder, "what about rulers across the world who are massacring their
own people. What does this passage say to the Christians in those
parts of the world? What does this passage say to us when we have
those in authority who seek war because of greed and pride? Are we
supposed to follow them blindly? Is Peter telling us to let them
trample us and not seek justice?" I read later in the passage that we
are to 'bear up under unjust suffering.' Is that what Peter is really
saying? That those in war torn places are supposed to 'bear up' under
their evil rulers? I don't know. Maybe someone can enlighten me on
this because I don't understand.
I thought that Christ sacrificed himself for us so that we wouldn't
have to offer our own blood for our own sins. Are persecuted
Christians and those suffering unjustly called to continue to offer up
blood unjustly in order to share in Christ's sufferings? And are we
who watch this injustice supposed to let it happen? What about caring
for those who are weaker?
This is a hard passage for me to understand.
Maybe I would understand the passage better if I'd truly felt this
unjust suffering that Peter's audience were feeling. Maybe Peter is
saying there is something blessed in suffering in this way as Christ
suffered and I will never understand that.
Christiana
Melinda
Oct 17, 2009, 11:50:21 AM10/17/09
to Brentwood Women
Hi, Megan. I'm here, too. I'm enjoying this study so much! I agree
with Christiana that it is helpful to have a great question like this
to think about all weekend.
To me, Peter has set up a surprising connection between suffering and
glory (1:12; 4:13; 5:2).
This connection seems to point to the nature of God Himself.
Everything about Him is
‘glory’. Yet a part of Himself, His Son, willingly suffered unjustly
for our sake. Our being willing to suffer unjustly leads to glory, I
think, because when we do that, we are behaving like God, both the
Father and the Son, just as Amanda has said. Behaving like this, not
repaying
evil for evil or insult for insult is actually what we are called to
do (3:9). Knowing this can help in the face of unjust suffering but I
confess I have to be reminded by someone else when I’m doing the
suffering. I suppose that is what Peter is doing in this whole
letter.
with Christiana that it is helpful to have a great question like this
to think about all weekend.
To me, Peter has set up a surprising connection between suffering and
glory (1:12; 4:13; 5:2).
This connection seems to point to the nature of God Himself.
Everything about Him is
‘glory’. Yet a part of Himself, His Son, willingly suffered unjustly
for our sake. Our being willing to suffer unjustly leads to glory, I
think, because when we do that, we are behaving like God, both the
Father and the Son, just as Amanda has said. Behaving like this, not
repaying
evil for evil or insult for insult is actually what we are called to
do (3:9). Knowing this can help in the face of unjust suffering but I
confess I have to be reminded by someone else when I’m doing the
suffering. I suppose that is what Peter is doing in this whole
letter.
Kimberly
Oct 18, 2009, 4:33:47 PM10/18/09
to Brentwood Women
> Does unjust suffering become more bearable for one who is "conscious
> of God?"
Hi Megan - I too appreciate all the work you are putting into this
> of God?"
study. It is very helpful to me. I have to agree with the comments
everyone has made so far. I have always found some anxiety in this
passage as well. I always think of the teaching that Christians are
not here on earth to always be comfortable and happy. We too must
suffer in the name of God. We are promised that by how we handle
these challenges and sufferings will be what builds our christian
character and displays our love and sacrifice for God. I think what
scares me is that I have not really suffered a major challenge like so
many people have. I would only hope that I would handle those
situations in the way that Peter describes. I have to imagine that
without having a heavenly viewpoint, getting through those tragedies
would be pretty impossible. There would be no perspective that they
are only temporary and we will eventually be at peace for eternity
with the Lord. That somehow helps to put things into some
perspective. I also have to believe that most of our suffering is
created by man and their selfish desires. Because God gave us free
will, we have to live with the consequences too.
Megan
Oct 18, 2009, 10:21:24 PM10/18/09
to Brentwood Women
I have so enjoyed reading all of the comments, and thank you for your
positive affirmation.
One thought that has continued to run through my mind this weekend, is
that many "religious" people today may read this verse and answer
opposite to what we have discovered. Let me explain. I feel like
frightenly often God is sold as someone who promises only postives in
our lives. We are promised healing, acceptance, love, riches, etc...
If this "feel good" religion is what is believed then when bad happens
people feel deceived by God and He is the first to be blamed. I guess
then the real question is, "Are these people 'conscious' of God?"
I say all of this because what a comfort it is to me to read God's
word and KNOW what He says about suffering. By striving to be truly
conscious of God through the study of the Bible we receive comfort
from His words. For example the assurances we have studied in 1 Peter
that you have all mentioned... a great inheritance in heaven, the
suffering is temporary, a promise of glory, that Jesus suffered the
most unjustly of all and in turn we are not alone, etc...
On a different note, Christiana your throughts and questions have
really made me think and I struggle with some of the same things you
do. I was wondering if anyone knows what Greek words the term "bears
up" is translated from? Maybe that would provide a bit more insight?
positive affirmation.
One thought that has continued to run through my mind this weekend, is
that many "religious" people today may read this verse and answer
opposite to what we have discovered. Let me explain. I feel like
frightenly often God is sold as someone who promises only postives in
our lives. We are promised healing, acceptance, love, riches, etc...
If this "feel good" religion is what is believed then when bad happens
people feel deceived by God and He is the first to be blamed. I guess
then the real question is, "Are these people 'conscious' of God?"
I say all of this because what a comfort it is to me to read God's
word and KNOW what He says about suffering. By striving to be truly
conscious of God through the study of the Bible we receive comfort
from His words. For example the assurances we have studied in 1 Peter
that you have all mentioned... a great inheritance in heaven, the
suffering is temporary, a promise of glory, that Jesus suffered the
most unjustly of all and in turn we are not alone, etc...
On a different note, Christiana your throughts and questions have
really made me think and I struggle with some of the same things you
do. I was wondering if anyone knows what Greek words the term "bears
up" is translated from? Maybe that would provide a bit more insight?
Katie
Oct 19, 2009, 12:46:35 PM10/19/09
to Brentwood Women
I am behind and just now catching up, but what a blessing to read all
of these thoughts. I have nothing really to add. I too, struggle
with injustice in the world as Christiana says and also with the idea
that we are called to suffer. This passage is definitely a
challenging one for me, but it is nice to hear how others are facing
these same challenges and it gives me strength to challenge myself as
well.
of these thoughts. I have nothing really to add. I too, struggle
with injustice in the world as Christiana says and also with the idea
that we are called to suffer. This passage is definitely a
challenging one for me, but it is nice to hear how others are facing
these same challenges and it gives me strength to challenge myself as
well.
Melinda
Oct 19, 2009, 1:41:57 PM10/19/09
to Brentwood Women
Megan, Here is what I found on-line and from 2 commentaries about
'bears up": ' to continue to bear up under unusually trying
circumstances and difficulties'
It might help to look at these three additional passages to see how
Peter
and Paul used the term.
Acts 15:10
2 Tim 2:1-12
2 Tim. 3:10-13
I've thought quite a bit about Christiana's excellent questions this
weekend. I'm
thinking that it is helpful to look at Peter's own life and also at
the situation his
readers might be in.
Peter stood in the high priest's courtyard and watched
Jesus submit to authority gone amuk.(Luke 22:54-62). He and his
fellow disciples had tried to resist Jesus' arrest but Jesus wouldn't
allow it because Jesus had a different vision of what was happening
in the mistreatment He was experiencing.. All of this was surely
burned in Peter's memory when he began to write to the 'scattered' he
mentions in 1:1ff.
Perhaps his readers were helpless('strangers', 'scattered') to turn
the tide against their own
unjust suffering, just as Peter was to stop Jesus' suffering and
crucifixion. Perhaps Peter, thru the spirit thought that his readers
would
be better equipped to endure in spite of their suffering unjust
trials
if they had a vision similar to the one Jesus
had at his own trial and death...that God is working in the world
and that working will be revealed at a later time(1:5)
However, for those who are in power who use this passage against
those whom they oppress have not listened to other
passages to 'masters' and 'the rich' (Eph 6:9; Philemon :8-17; 1 Tim
6:17-19)
Not a full picture, I'm sure, of what the NT says about
protecting those who are vulnerable. But certainly it is
appalling to use this passage to excuse what one does
to another or what nation does to another.
'bears up": ' to continue to bear up under unusually trying
circumstances and difficulties'
It might help to look at these three additional passages to see how
Peter
and Paul used the term.
Acts 15:10
2 Tim 2:1-12
2 Tim. 3:10-13
I've thought quite a bit about Christiana's excellent questions this
weekend. I'm
thinking that it is helpful to look at Peter's own life and also at
the situation his
readers might be in.
Peter stood in the high priest's courtyard and watched
Jesus submit to authority gone amuk.(Luke 22:54-62). He and his
fellow disciples had tried to resist Jesus' arrest but Jesus wouldn't
allow it because Jesus had a different vision of what was happening
in the mistreatment He was experiencing.. All of this was surely
burned in Peter's memory when he began to write to the 'scattered' he
mentions in 1:1ff.
Perhaps his readers were helpless('strangers', 'scattered') to turn
the tide against their own
unjust suffering, just as Peter was to stop Jesus' suffering and
crucifixion. Perhaps Peter, thru the spirit thought that his readers
would
be better equipped to endure in spite of their suffering unjust
trials
if they had a vision similar to the one Jesus
had at his own trial and death...that God is working in the world
and that working will be revealed at a later time(1:5)
However, for those who are in power who use this passage against
those whom they oppress have not listened to other
passages to 'masters' and 'the rich' (Eph 6:9; Philemon :8-17; 1 Tim
6:17-19)
Not a full picture, I'm sure, of what the NT says about
protecting those who are vulnerable. But certainly it is
appalling to use this passage to excuse what one does
to another or what nation does to another.
Christiana
Oct 20, 2009, 5:41:09 PM10/20/09
to Brentwood Women
Thank you guys again for your good thoughts. As Katie said, it is
good to hear that others are struggling with the same things in these
passages.
To what Melinda (Mom) said, I forget when I am reading 1 Peter that
this is the same Peter that challenged Jesus' offer of sacrifice and
then denied acquaintance with him. Thank you for reminding me about
that. In light of that knowledge of Peter's history, his words about
suffering are deeper and more lived out in my opinion.
I read the passages you suggested about 'bearing up' and 2 Timothy
3:12-13 really struck me:
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will
be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse,
deceiving and being deceived."
I realize this has quite a bit of context behind it that I don't
understand fully but wow, that's one for me to think about.
Do these things directly apply to us today when we are not suffering
the kind of deep and desperate or are they a way for us to better
understand who God is? Possibly both?
Christiana
good to hear that others are struggling with the same things in these
passages.
To what Melinda (Mom) said, I forget when I am reading 1 Peter that
this is the same Peter that challenged Jesus' offer of sacrifice and
then denied acquaintance with him. Thank you for reminding me about
that. In light of that knowledge of Peter's history, his words about
suffering are deeper and more lived out in my opinion.
I read the passages you suggested about 'bearing up' and 2 Timothy
3:12-13 really struck me:
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will
be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse,
deceiving and being deceived."
I realize this has quite a bit of context behind it that I don't
understand fully but wow, that's one for me to think about.
Do these things directly apply to us today when we are not suffering
the kind of deep and desperate or are they a way for us to better
understand who God is? Possibly both?
Christiana
Mindi Tipps
Oct 22, 2009, 11:31:30 PM10/22/09
to Brentwood Women
I've been blessed these past 10 minutes reading through your comments.
Like Kimberly, it's really hard to me to understand true suffering.
I've read 1 Peter 2:19 over and over gain and the thing that really
stands out to me is the "conscious of God" part and what Kay said at
the beginning of this discussion. This verse has certainly challenged
me to live "conscious of God" daily; to think about what He has
suffered for me and what my response, actions, thoughts, etc should be
because of that.
Like Kimberly, it's really hard to me to understand true suffering.
I've read 1 Peter 2:19 over and over gain and the thing that really
stands out to me is the "conscious of God" part and what Kay said at
the beginning of this discussion. This verse has certainly challenged
me to live "conscious of God" daily; to think about what He has
suffered for me and what my response, actions, thoughts, etc should be
because of that.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages