1st Peter 3:17. “For it is better, if for will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”
IT IS BETTER. Two who work together well will always bring results. Sometimes they’ll produce praises, other times unfair insults. But whatever the results may be, I must be sure of this one thing – Doing evil is never an option no matter what the results bring.
God has not given assurance that everything allowed brings pleasure. Some times difficulties arise bringing unwanted suffering without measure. The Lord Jesus always did God’s will and the cost was very high. I too if I follow the example of Him, will know that evil is nigh.
If suffering comes unexpectedly, and surely this will happen – My responsibility is to be sure my conscience is always sharpened So only well-doing is the cause for suffering to occur – And evil doing has no part in the suffering I might endure.
There really is no honest excuse if I suffer for the evil I do. That is to be expected if to God’s will I am not always true. Far better to suffer for doing right, when everyone else chooses wrong. Suffering for well-doing is far better, and that suffering makes me strong.
I must seek to maintain my integrity even though there is pain. To avoid suffering for righteousness sake is only a foolish gain. I must expect if I am living for Christ there will be false accusations. But “the better” results in suffering is personal consecration.
“O God, I do not ask for suffering. But when it comes, please give me a strong inclination to be Christ-like in suffering from first to last. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”