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NASB | 1 Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name. |
Bible Question:
What exactly does it mean to suffer as a Christian and how far in obeying Christ should we go? What if obeying Christ means our whole lives would be ruined? What if obeying Christ means dying because you don't retaliate, "and if you are struck, don't strike back"? At what point do Christians say enough, when it gets dangerous, or very impossible to keep going without losing everything? blessings abound, bowler |
Bible Answer: We must suffur unto death. The example of Christ on the cross and Shadraq Meshak and Abednigo and the firey furnace are awesome examples. I must point out the legal authorities were persecuting them. Understand the difference is the persecution because of Christianity is different than someone trying to beat you up because they are mean. Here in the U.S. the law does not allow someone to strike you for the fun of it. That means a Christian can call the cops and have them arrested and brought to trial. Of course you will need to forgive them but obeying the law of the land is our obligation as well. So you may need to testify in court. Remember God forgave Moses but God still punished Moses for his fits of rage. Now will your whole life be ruined. Probably. It especially looks like it from your perspective. The disciples thought their life was ruined when Christ died on the cross. Well don't quit. After three days of waiting things looked better. I don't know how long you will need to wait. The new life you will lead will be NEW. Look at it as an adventure. Many modern day Christians in Iran, China and Sudan escape from persecution to safer countries. If you are in the states there are some houses of refuge in the big cities. Look at my profile and email me directly if you need any furthur clarification. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May his countenace fall upon you and give you peace. Albert. |