For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:19-21 NIV
Suffering
Canadian law provides for compensation for pain and suffering for injured people. General damages for pain and suffering are intended to compensate an injured victim for the pain and suffering, loss of amenities of life, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life. It can be difficult to quantify or put a dollar value on such important matters as quality of life. For that reason, they’re called general damages to reflect the fact that the money covers several aspects of the injury, but excludes the amounts needed for treatment costs, income due to missed work, or replacement of future wages.
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The Bible warns followers of Christ that they should expect to suffer for their faith. There are a number of reasons for this. One reason is that we proclaim the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. A second reason is that as we live our lives according to Biblical standards, we are as stumbling block to those who want to be able to live their lives in any way they like. Whatever the reason for the suffering that comes our way – and in many parts of the world our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering in ways we can’t begin to imagine – the apostle Peter tells us how we ought to respond. In 1 Peter 2:19-21 he writes: “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley