SageTree

I think it's good to have all of the text to draw out the meaning.

1 Peter 4:1-8

Living for God

" 1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

I think that hard times and challenges are great teachers, and that we can use these hard spots as lessons for understanding, in that we all suffer and want happiness. In turn our compassion for others suffering increases, therefore, we want our actions less 'sinful' in regard to the language used. Altruistic in focus, if you will. Helping and not hurting.

These are the lessons I feel I have taken from 'suffering in the flesh'.

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