Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for Judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:16-17

 Today’s verses provide encouragement for anyone who suffers as a Christian. You might be thinking that being a United States citizen shields you from suffering for your faith, as we have freedoms to worship and openly express our views. But truthfully, living a life of ease should make you question your faith. Is it genuine, are you living boldly for Christ, or are you hiding your “light” under a bushel, only exposing it when comfortable?

 In 1999, there was a tragic shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. As the shooters were killing people, they came upon a teenage girl who was calling out to God. One of the shooters asked if she believed in God, she responded “yes”. She had a choice to make, either hide her belief or suffer the consequences of being truthful. Under the threat of her life, she did not hold back her beliefs. That is true suffering and God was glorified in that moment.

 Although you might never have a gun held to your head with life threatened over your beliefs in God, you should not be ashamed to live out your Christian life for others to see. Yeah, you might have moments of ridicule, feel the pressure of keeping your job, maybe even shunned by others. That’s ok, because in the end, God will judge those who brought suffering into your life. God will also judge His children for the moments when they keep their faith hidden. Read the following verses and ask yourself, “am I being a true witness for God”?

 Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

 1 Corinthians 13:8 NLT Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 

You might not feel qualified to be a Christian. Maybe you are apprehensive about talking to others about Christ, you have fears that hold you back….there can be many things you want to do for Christ, but feel limited. 

I encourage you to keep the faith! In today's verse it says “love lasts forever”. I've heard it said, people will remember you by how you treated them. It doesn't matter how smart you are, capable of doing great things….none of that matters except your love for others. 

While on planet earth, Jesus instructed people to love others as yourself. Love has many redeeming features and can change a person's direction in life by simply being loved by you!  

Don't miss the greatest opportunity in the world by being a follower of Christ. Love others, just as He loved you, and you'll see the Christian life is more rewarding than anything else you'll experience this side of Heaven.