1st Peter 4:14. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part, he is glorified.” THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD. Two results are potentially there – One we bear alone – the other we share. If I avoid reproach, I am on my own – If I accept it gladly, then His grace is shown.
I am not left to be reproached without any help The Spirit of God and new life within myself – Give me joy where normally there would be sadness, I can share the reproach of Christ with a measure of gladness.
The end result is what is really at stake – For God is glorified by the reproaches I take. And the way I take them is very important It reflects on God and all that He wants.
Those who don’t know God find a reason to blame – We who know and love Him do not react the same, Because we understand in the problems of life
Is where God is revealed as we walk in His light.
The Spirit of glory goes beyond works of men – For it is the Spirit of God revealing what is within – He takes what seems bad and from it brings good – And through the reproaches He’s honored by me as I should.
“Father, I can’t honestly say I welcome the reproaches that come from seeking to honor and glorify Thee. When they come, at times I may seek to avoid them. But when in the midst of them, I find a unique joy I don’t experience in any other way. I pray for grace to accept – yes even welcome these reproaches for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”