1 Peter 4:14
There is a quote by Dr. Charles Stanley that says, “Persecution can cause either growth or bitterness in the Christian life. It is our response that determines the outcome.” The early believers of the Asia Minor church were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus. And now almost two thousand years later, Christians are still being persecuted. Following Jesus isn’t easy. And nowhere in the Bible does God say the life of a Christian will be smooth sailing. In fact He promises just the opposite. But we can let the trials of life make us bitter, or we can rejoice in the suffering we endure on behalf of Jesus. Bitterness turns us away from the Lord, and hardens our hearts. But joy reminds us that the Spirit of God dwells in us, and deepens our relationship with Him. And God promises that if we share in Christ’s sufferings, one day we will also share in His glory.
