BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN (a reminder)

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 Hebrews 13:3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.


Jesus talked of those who follow Him being prone to suffer persecution. The apostles testified of facing persecution, so does everyone who truly follow Christ.


Romans 8:35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?


The degree of persecution vary from place to place. What is the nature of our environment? Are we free to worship, are we free to gather?


If yes, let us have in mind that there are other believers in other places who do not enjoy such luxury. Some are restricted to worship to the extent of the law of the land.


Some are restricted to worship because there are enemies waiting to attack, even to the extent of killing them.


Some are restricted to worship because they can't even afford a place to worship. It could even be because of natural disasters.


The level of persecution differ from place to place.


Do you know that some are persecuted by their own family because they serve the Lord.


1 Peter 1:6-7

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:


Have you really faced persecution as a believer. selah!


[Some have foolishly taken their liberty to extort from people using different forms of manipulations: this ones are already cursed]


Our difficulties should provoke worship.


Do not complain if you suffer from your own errors, but when you suffer for Christ's sake, rejoice.


1 Peter 4:14-16 (NLT)

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.

But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!


Are you really facing difficulties? Or do you have liberty to serve your God. Have you made good use of it?


Before you complain, check what fellow believers in other places go through. You would be humbled.


Take advantage of your present liberty. Of the sound health, provisions, brotherhood, resources and other things available to you.


Instead of complaining, Rejoice!


1 Peter 4:3 (NLT)

Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.


We may be inclined to only look out for the supposed negatives. No His mercy and blessings abound. Rejoice.


So before complaining today, meditate on what you have.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher

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