“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.” – 1 Peter 4:1

Scripture teaches that suffering is meant to cleanse us of our sins and produces a strong faith, character, and hope. It’s through going through the fire that we become refined and sanctified. Suffering either makes us or breaks us.

I know in my life my suffering has exposed a lot of sin and it has been hard. I fear a lot of the time because I developed a lot of bad habits and have let bitterness take root in my heart. I developed a bad attitude towards people and society but I know in my heart that this is attitude is not from God.

The question becomes how do we let suffering refine us rather than destroy us? The answer is lies in how we view suffering. How we view anything in life directly affects our attitude towards life. I like to think of suffering as confirmation rather than condemnation.

I believe that suffering is a mark of God’s presence in our lives. This is a cause for rejoicing and nothing else. Our peace during trials is what separates us from the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. His general will for us is to choose joy, pray constantly, and be thankful for what He has done. If our outlook is constantly inward or outward on the negative things going on, then we cannot fulfill this command.

In conclusion, scripture is clear about the attitude we should have and if we do not have this attitude, then we need to change how we think based on the promises of scripture. A negative view leads to a poor attitude which then leads to sin. A scriptural view leads to a good attitude which leads to our sanctification.

I pray this encourages you.

-Phil