FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE.
By Augusta W. Heald
[I]t is a common thought, “If I had done that person an injury I might expect this treatment, but I am innocent of the charge. It is hard to be blamed when I have done no wrong.” But Jesus says when men revile you and persecute you and say “all manner of evil against you falsely,” “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad,” or according to Luke, “leap for joy,” for your reward is great in heaven. One who listened to these words of the great Teacher afterward experienced the truth contained in them, for Peter was cast into prison for righteousness’ sake. He has much to say on this subject, “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” 1 Peter 2:19, 20. And, again, “It is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” Chapter 3:17. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye;” “but let none of you suffer . . . as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.” Ch. 4:14, 15. When we endure grief, suffering wrongfully, we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, for “He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth,” “yet He bore our sins.” “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” Will we do the right, and take the buffeting patiently, knowing that this is acceptable with God? Whosoever is a partaker of Christ’s sufferings will be heir of Christ’s peace, and when, at length, His glory is revealed, he will be glad also “with exceeding joy.”