Do you know what I hate? I hate it when I’m made to suffer when I’ve done nothing wrong; when my good intentions are misconstrued and people turn against me. We’ve all been there and it’s a terrible thing.

Nelson Mandela was pivotal in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Whilst he initially advocated non-violent resistance, he later cofounded the armed wing of the African National Congress in response to the terrible Sharpeville massacre of 1960.

Whilst these days he’s revered as one of the great national leaders and healers of the 20th century, he nevertheless spent 27 years in prison on Robben Island, enduring harsh conditions and forced labour. I’ve visited the place. I’ve seen his tiny prison cell and let me tell you, it ain’t pretty.

Suffering for doing good is sadly a fact of life. So how do you react when it happens to you?

1 Peter 3:19-21 One of you might have to suffer even when you have done nothing wrong. If you think of God and bear the pain, this pleases God. But if you are punished for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for bearing that punishment. But if you suffer for doing good and you are patient, this pleases God. This is what you were chosen to do. Christ gave you an example to follow. He suffered for you. So you should do the same as he did.

In every circumstance, good or bad, we have a decision to make. And when life is unjust, it’s a tough decision indeed, but …

If you suffer for doing good and you’re patient, it pleases God. It’s what you were chosen for. Jesus gave you the example to follow. He suffered for you. So you should do the same.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.