Today Bible Verse – 1 Peter 4:15-16, NIV
“If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name.”
Today Reflection
The term Christian first appeared in Acts 11:26 when the followers of Jesus were called Christians in Antioch. It was likely a name given by outsiders, maybe even as an insult to differentiate the disciples from the Jews. Being called a Christian means belonging to Christ or a follower of the Messiah. Over time, this name became a title that believers embraced even in the face of persecution.
To suffer as a Christian, as Peter says, is a reminder that we bear the name of Jesus, and it is an honor. Being a Christian means we have chosen to follow Jesus and walk his path even when it’s hard.
In the early church, many paid with their lives to be identified as Christians. Their faith was not just words. It was a transformed life of love and obedience to Christ.
Today we must ask ourselves what does it mean to be called a Christian. It is not simply going to church or wearing the name like a status. True Christianity means knowing Jesus personally, repenting from sin, loving others, and trusting completely in his death and resurrection.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Our old ways should pass away as we live a new life that reflects Jesus.
If we call ourselves Christians, we are called to live differently, not to blend with the world’s habits, but to shine his light. It also means we may face opposition or suffering because of his name. But Peter reminds us that this is a privilege because we represent the kingdom of God on earth. Let us hold the name of Christ high and walk in a way that honors him.
Today Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the honor of being called by the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to understand the weight and beauty of being Christians. Give us courage to stand firm in our faith even when the world mocks or opposes us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
In Other Translations
- KJV (King James Version): “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”
- AMP (Amplified Bible): “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or a thief, or any sort of criminal [in response to persecution], or as a troublesome meddler interfering in the affairs of others; but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name.”
- NLT (New Living Translation): “If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!”
- NASB (New American Standard Bible): “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”
- ESV (English Standard Version): “But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
Related Verses
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- Acts 11:26: “…And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
- Philippians 1:29: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
- Luke 14:27: “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
- Matthew 5:11: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
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