Devotional: Righteousness Brings Suffering

1 Peter 3:13-18 The duty of a Christian is to live for Christ. This means that our life is likely to be different from those around us. We are called to be holy. This means that we have been set aside to live according to the will of God. Being a Christian means that we may suffer simply because the ways of God are in conflict with the ways of the world. Peter writes this letter to Christians who are being persecuted because of the name Jesus. When we read the writings of Peter we are reminded that we are special to God. God expects us to live by the law of love. Yes, we will suffer, but it is better for us to suffer for doing what is right than to suffer for what is wrong. The right thing to do is to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts. We are to be ready to give an account of the hope that is in us in gentleness and reverence. These words are written to encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith and hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Prayer: Lord thank you for your word and your Spirit that gives us the power to live by your truth that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.