October 28

1 Peter 3:14‑16
“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ”―1 Peter 3:14-1614But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Peter 3:14‑16).
O greater privilege has ever been bestowed upon men than that of suffering for the sake of Christ, as witnesses for Him in this world. Naturally we shrink from everything of the kind, and would prefer a life of ease and comfort to one of stress and conflict. But those who suffer with Christ here will reign with Him when His kingdom is displayed in power and glory. No one will regret in that day anything he has endured for the gospel’s sake in this age of evil. But many will wish they might live their lives over again in order that they might endure for Him what they avoided when here. Our great care should be that we never suffer because of ill-behavior, but only for righteousness’ sake, and as consistent Christians.
“From vintages of sorrow
Are sweetest joys distilled,
And the cup outstretched for healing,
Is oft at Marah filled.
God leads to joy through weeping.
To quietness through strife,
Through yielding into conquest.
Through death to endless His.
Be still—He hath enrolled thee,
For the kingdom and the crown,
Be silent let Him mold thee.
Who calleth thee His own.”