For His Name's Sake

Paying the penalty for doing wrong is justice. Suffering unjustly for His name's sake is commendable with a crown.

May's Message, Day 12:

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. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:19-25 NIV

Commendable to suffer unjustly, but no honor is gained when paying legitimate penalties where penalties are due. Suffering in prison for doing wrong is living out the consequences for poor choices. Suffering in prison when you are innocent of wrongdoing is a tragedy. Our judiciary system will unfortunately make mistakes, but God never will. It is especially commendable to those abroad who suffer pain and death for the sake of the Gospel. God has a special crown for those who are martyred for His sake. It is honorable that we respect and are thankful for all our military veterans, yet sometimes we forget about all those Christian solders out there giving their lives for the Gospel. Commendable indeed. Let us suffer legitimately for His name's sake.