1 Peter 3:13-17 "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
Ecclessiastes 7:8-9 "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools."
Do you ever feel trigger-ready with your thoughts and opinions? Yes, me too. We may feel the oppression of the world when we try to share our Christian beliefs with others. As we are to be bold in our faith, we should always be respectful and gentle in both our words and approach. In general, we should avoid indiscretion, injustice, falsehood and merciless speech with others.
Our Christian faith can only be supported by a good conscience and a holy-led life. " A good conscience and a good conversation are the best means to secure a good name; these give a solid reputation and a lasting one."
How do we respond to uncomfortable situations?
1] We must be humble.
2] We must bear the spiritual fruit of patience.
3] We must control our passion with wisdom and grace.
4] We are to make the best of what is, without making it worse.
"It is folly to complain of the badness of our own times when we have more reason to complain of the badness of our own hearts (if men’s hearts were better, the times would mend) and when we have more reason to be thankful that they are not worse, but that even in the worst of times we enjoy many mercies, which help to make them not only tolerable, but comfortable."
God wants us to understand that our afflictions are not meaningless. We can be rebellious in our response to hardships but that's not the path God intends for us to take. When sin and suffering meet, the suffering becomes extreme, unprofitable, unbearable and destructive to the mind and soul.
As for myself, I can't control what is happening to my physical body but I can [try to] control my response to it's progressive weakening. I try to choose daily to keep an attitude of perseverance, but I sometimes fail. God gives us both mountains and valleys to make us stronger. I don't just call it quits when I can no longer do something that I previously could. God's mercies are new every morning and what He gives I want to make the most of. Adapt and proceed forward!! When God wants me to quit my earthly race, He will call me home. Until then, Lord please keep me humble and patient as I make the best out of what You give with wisdom and grace.
