Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
1 “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning. 2 And you will not spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of GOD. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that GODless people enjoy – their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. 4 Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you.” ~ 1 Peter 4:1-4
Some people will do anything to avoid pain. As followers of Christ, however, we should be willing and prepared to do GOD’s will and to suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and what He wants us to do. When we are in pain or our life is in jeopardy, our real values clearly show up, and sinful pleasures seem less important. If anyone is willing to suffer for Christ by doing the will of GOD, that person has made a clean break with sin.
A person whose life changes radically at conversion may experience contempt from old friends. He may be scorned not only because he refuses to participate in certain activities but also because his priorities have changed, and he is now heading in the opposite direction. His very life incriminates their sinful activities. Mature Christians, we should help new believers resist such pressures of opposition by encouraging them to be faithful to Christ, after all He has been faithful to us. Jesus Christ suffered physical pain and agony for each and every one of us. He died so that we could be free from the bondage of sin and death. But, the best news of all – Jesus Christ has risen! Because He died and rose again, as true believers and followers, He lives inside of each one of us.
What Would I Have Done?
Written by: Felipe Gonzales, Jr.
Yes, He is risen, yesterday, today and forever! But my mind can not comprehend the rugged cross, the crown of thorns, the rusted spikes, the walk of hell, and Father GOD, I can not even grasp the beating!
The beating for which I:
Rise and lay, sing and cry, grieve and praise, laugh and mourn, each and every day. The beating that just would not stop. The beating that drew blood that ran like sweat. The beating that carries every sickness, every disease, and every sin that is on this earth. It was merciless – but it was necessary. For by His stripes we are saved and healed.
My lasting wonder is:
If I were there or even near on that fateful day, what would I have done? I long to think that as He took my lashes I would have stood up and screamed – “That’s enough!” But I am left to wonder – what would I have done…… I know what Jesus did.
Oh, Lord Jesus – we know what You did. Our small human minds cannot begin to comprehend the magnitude of pain and suffering You experienced that day. But Lord we are so very grateful! Jesus, we tend to forget as our lives get full of daily tasks, jobs, family and friends, that it was Your blood, Your body and Your life that was a sacrifice for us. Help us to be ever mindful of that fateful day as we go about our daily lives.
Photo: Yorktown (Virginia)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
