Better Suffering

Is it better suffering from doing good or better suffering from doing evil? Is there a difference?

Suffering is a part of normal everyday life. When we make mistakes, we must suffer the consequences. We expect that. When we do something good, we may suffer a trade-off or persecution from others. We should expect that as well. In fact, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).” But is it better suffering for doing good or for doing evil?

Is one form of suffering better than the other? Yes! Why one is suffering makes a difference. Peter wrote, “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:17).” God says that it is better suffering for doing good! He has always seen His people suffer. Those who suffered were eventually delivered; those who caused the suffering were punished when God took vengeance.

If we are suffering for doing the will of God, He will repay us for doing good and deliver us. On the other hand, if we are suffering for doing evil, God will repay us for that evil. Go back in your mind. Remember when kids would do well and behave in school, and then suffer bullying from other students? Their parents would commend them when they got home! On the other hand, when kids got in trouble at school, they would suffer getting in trouble with their parents when they got home. Which would you choose?

Keep in your mind that God is in control. He will render to every man according to his deeds when he is no longer on the earth (Romans 2:6). Let this thought help your bear up. It is better suffering for doing good and persevering.