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Fortitude
Betrayal. False imprisonment. Agony. Excruciating pain. Blood. Tears. Death. A mother’s sorrow. Three days. A stone rolled away. Resurrection. And all is commemorated on a day called Easter.
Jesus knew the plan, he knew the end result, but was also tempted by Satan to betray His father. By refusing to do so, he endured the most inhumane treatment one can suffer, and yet never once spoke against his persecutors.
His example is cause for my own reflection. Am I showing others Christ by gladly bearing all for his sake? Or do I lash out, fight back and demand justice? And if I do fight for my rights, am I negating the Easter message?
Whether my persecutions come through marriage, parent-child relationships, other believers, or the ungodly, Christ has shown me what to do. If I attempt to make my maltreatment disappear by lashing out at those who have wronged me, I am not imitating Christ, but am becoming like the world.
“For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.” 1 Peter 1:19-20 (NKJ)
Knowing the truth and carrying it out are two different things, but the chronicle of Easter can help me to live out the reality spoken of in 1 Peter. Christ’s resurrection is proof positive that when I live what I say I believe, I will find my reward beyond this life. Even if persecution ends in martyrdom, as Christ’s did, I can trust that God will not forsake me, and because of this hope, Easter will always be a day to celebrate.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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