Taking It Patiently

"For to this you were called, because Christ also 
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you 
should follow His steps" (1 Peter 2:21). Exactly 
what example is Peter talking about and to what 
are we called? Certainly there are many things that 
Christ did that are examples for us to follow but 
Peter is talking about something in particular. If 
you read the previous verses, starting with verse 18,
Peter makes it clear precisely what he was talking about.

"Servants, be submissive to your masters with all 
fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to 
the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of 
conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering 
wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are 
beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But 
when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, 
this is commendable before God" (verses 18-20). 

The example Peter is talking about is suffering, 
with patience, undeserved punishment. Christ is the 
only person to walk this earth having committed no 
sin (1 Peter 2:22). In the entire process of being 
tried, beaten and crucified Jesus suffered His fate 
with patience knowing what the end result would be. 
2 Cor. 5:15 tells us that Christ "died for all, that 
those who live should live no longer for themselves, 
but for Him who died for them and rose again." 

When we suffer because we do well, do we really take 
it patiently? Are our thoughts centered on saving the 
souls of those who are hurting us or do we search for 
a way of retribution? 

Peter tells us we are to follow in the footsteps of 
Christ, to do as He did. At some point in the life 
of a Christian, suffering will take place. The world 
is "allergic" to the goodness that Christ brings and 
thus His disciples will also suffer for doing good 
(Matt. 10:25). Make sure that when you do suffer that 
you take it patiently. Our God may very well turn that 
moment of suffering into an opportunity to save the 
souls of those causing you harm.



In Christ, Steve Preston


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