Our scripture this morning is 1 Peter 4:16-17.
But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?
Peter reminds us “it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian”, that there will always be resistance to Christ’s message and those who share it. However, this doesn’t prevent the spread of the Good News. Even though there are obstacles, we are to continue in faith.
We are “called by His name”, expected to live by His teachings and share His love with the world. He has passed His ministry to us because He loves and trusts us. Now it is our turn to do the work that has passed through generations of the faithful, to share “God’s Good News.”
We know that judgement will come, but we are confident that by His love and our repentance we can be forgiven and washed clean of our sins. Jesus came for this very purpose. We share in His sacrifice and His glory when we share His love with everyone.
Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Your son to save us. Forgive us when we fall and send us in Your name that all may know Your love. Amen.
