NEVER ALLOW THIS. 1st Peter 4:15 Suffering in itself has no virtue; it is what we suffer for that determines its value. To suffer for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as a Christian is what truly counts. At the time Peter wrote this epistle, the term “Christian” was a term of derision. There were times and places in the Roman Empire where simply being a Christian brought severe penalties, and in thousands of cases, death in terrible ways.
In parts of the world today, this is still happening. To be a Christian brings persecution and discrimination, and in many places, Christians are killed simply because of their testimony as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. People fear for their lives if they associate with Christians or if their family members are Christians.
However, not all the suffering Christians endure is for the right reasons. If a believer is doing wrong and claims he is being picked on because he is a Christian, his understanding of the reason for his suffering is mistaken. Wrong attitudes, unpleasant behavior, and provocation caused by tone of voice or a pushy attitude, even when doing "the work of the Lord," may bring insults, suffering, and retaliation on us - and we caused it.
Suffering for our allegiance to Christ is worthy. Suffering for being opinionated and aggressive in order to win an argument, even on religious topics, is not appropriate. Any criminal activity by a Christian will have consequences that bring hardship, just as with any other lawbreaker. If I "put my nose" into other people's affairs as a gossip or someone with unasked-for advice, there will likely be unhappy results that make me ashamed.
Even then, persecution does not give us license to retaliate, use physical violence, or murder those who oppose the name of Christ and threaten death to Christians. Physical violence is not to be met with murder of those who oppose. Confiscation of property is not a reason for Christians to become thieves, criminals of any kind, or meddlers in the affairs of other people.
A “busybody” is one who interferes in the affairs of others and is despised for sticking their nose into things they shouldn’t. That brings shame to their testimony as a Christian and rejection of the Gospel message. “What you are speaks so loud, I can’t hear a word you say” is the mindset, and sometimes the words, of those who see inconsistency in believers. No Christian should be guilty of wrong deeds that are legally punishable or disapproved by normal social standards.
Doing what is disapproved of by local bias that becomes laws, because a Christian is committed to righteous and holy living, is not what is referred to here. When a Christian suffers because of living a godly life, it is not a reason to be ashamed. “Ashamed of Jesus, can it be that I, a mortal man, would be ashamed of Thee?” Of course not. But being avoided and rejected for being a meddling busybody hinders the Gospel and brings dishonor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Why, you really must do something now!” “Do you know what she did?” Mary said to Jed. “Now, Mary, just wait. Are you sure it was a date? Or did they have just another sick cow?” “Jed! Don’t make fun. I am sure she was gone much longer than to tend to a beast! She left home at eight, and it was very late – I am sure it was two in the morning at least!”
A day or two later, the rights of the matter came out in the open so clearly. Franklin’s mother took sick at a quarter to six, and she called for someone she knew truly cared.
When one’s nose is so long, they don’t know right from wrong. That is a person you cannot truly trust. Their words are like cancer; they think they have the answer, but they didn’t figure out the problem at first. Lord, help me remain silent despite what I think. To say nothing until folks need my assistance. Until their call comes, please keep me at home, and while there, help me mind my own business. Keep me from jumping to conclusions. Help me keep the door of my lips sealed when they should be. Keep me from sinning with words. Help me be ready to help and refrain from being nosy.