Many fine Christians know what it means to live a life filled with suffering or pain. This suffering may come as a result of wrongdoing or in spite of righteous living. No matter the circumstance, one fact remains constant: suffering, whether merited or not, is never pleasant. The Bible instructs Christians regardless of the circumstances to greet suffering with the utmost patience. In fact, the Bible emphasizes that patience during times of suffering for well doing is “acceptable with God” (1 Peter 2:20). Enduring suffering may seem difficult and our nature certainly opposes it, but it remains part of God's calling (1 Peter 2:21). The Lord exhibited great patience as He suffered as our example as He that “did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). Instead of retaliating in time of suffering, He “committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). Christians should learn from Christ's example and consistently strive to entrust their well-being to the mercy of God.
Christians should first and foremost focus on their walk with the Lord. As such, believers are instructed to add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity to their faith. However, notice that every believer is to be “giving all diligence” (with great effort, but without haste). Of all these graces mentioned, faith seems to be the most foundational of them all. Unfortunately, far too many believers never grow beyond faith, making them unable to put forth much diligence in adding the other graces. Believers should be growing in grace daily (like those listed above) and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour (2 Peter 3:18). The word of God remains the only viable source from whence this diligent growth springs forth (1 Peter 2:2).
