Devotionals by Raul Ries

THURSDAY September 17, 2026

Commendable Behavior

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, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
1 Peter 2:19-20

Peter presented a good question to believers in Christ, “If you are treated badly, can you take it patiently?” To do so is commendable before God. It shows you are patient and longsuffering as you endure wrongdoing. Ask yourself, “Is God pleased by the way I am reacting to stress at work, a false accusation, a misunderstanding, or when my boss is harsh and irritable?”

Listen, you are to endure grief, suffering, and wrongdoing for conscience’ sake toward God. Why do you put up with people who are disagreeable and inconsiderate? It is because of the love of God. Show your employer Christ’s love despite their unfriendliness. This happens, not by your preaching to them, but by the way you live a Christ-centered life in front of them. They will become impressed by your good attitude and obedience. Through your steadfast witness, people will become influenced toward Christ, and your employer may even possibly come to Christ.

Remember, God loves you, and He is in control of the situation at work. He is watching over you and will take care of you. I think of Joseph who was falsely imprisoned because of a seductress’ lies. He suffered wrongfully in that prison, but God used evil for good to bring about His perfect will. Joseph was promoted to a position of influence––he became the right-hand man of Pharaoh, and he saved his family from a terrible famine (Genesis 37; 39-45).

Seriously, you never know how God will use your life. Besides, if you lose your job because of unfair judgment, perhaps the Lord has another job opportunity waiting! Sometimes it is really hard to be submissive in adverse circumstances, but you can count on this: it can really turn out for your good and become a blessing.

Suffering is better than sinning. There is more evil in a drop of sin than in an ocean of affliction. Better, burn for Christ, than turn from Christ.
~Charles H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!