The Apostle Peter was well acquainted with suffering. He suffered persecution. He was imprisoned. The tradition was that he was martyred by being crucified on a cross upside down. If anyone knew suffering, it was Peter. This book, 1 Peter, was written to Christians who were facing severe persecution because of their confession of faith. Very few of us reading this will ever face such suffering these believers faced.
We would do well to learn from Peter about suffering well. Suffering is complex. It is not easy to explain. There are no easy answers because of the complexity. If answers are to be found, it takes digging deep into the Word where God may be found.
Sometimes we suffer as the result of our actions. Sometimes we suffer as the result of other people’s actions. Sometimes we suffer as a result of a combination of our actions and those of others. And sometimes we suffer, although no one did anything in particular. In other words, it can be our fault, partially our fault, someone else’s fault, or no one’s fault.
Then there are multiple layers to suffering. There is physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. While we may suffer physically, we could experience spiritual healing. At the same time, our emotional suffering can have physical consequences.
It’s in the complexity of suffering where faith comes in to play. We may not have all the answers, but we know the one who does.
Reflection
- Where do you look for the answers to the question of suffering?
- What gives you the courage to endure suffering?
Prayer
Jesus, it is good to know that we are not alone in suffering. You are with us, and you have given us the faithful witnesses of the past to offer us hope and encouragement to endure. We may not always have the answers, so help us to trust in your mercy. Amen.
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