Part 1
1 Peter: 3:8: Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
It’s time to talk about suffering.
Not a favorite topic, I know.
But in this world, we are guaranteed to have troubles (John 16:33). Life can hurt, and sometimes it feels like we are left with more scars than victory stories. But I believe God can redeem everything, including our suffering.
After all, He promises that “all things work together for good” for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Looking at the suffering I have faced in my own life, I believe 1 Peter 3:8 describes the character traits that God can grow in us through adversity. Addressing Jewish “exiles” who had been dispersed due to persecution, Peter launches a message of suffering with the exhortation, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8).
For the next few weeks, I’d like to take a look at these traits and examine how suffering can foster their growth.
So bear with me friend. And together perhaps we can learn to see God’s hand transforming us in even in our most painful seasons.
Until next time,
Shelby
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