TUESDAY November 3, 2026

Not Ashamed

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
1 Peter 4:16

Under great pressure of persecution, many Christians in Rome became ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The cost was high to follow Jesus; many had to give their lives. Christians were being imprisoned, tortured or thrown into the lions’ den! Yet Peter gave two exhortations to Christians who were suffering––not to be ashamed and to glorify God.

Have you ever suffered as a Christian? Honestly, there is nothing whatsoever that you should be ashamed about. When you suffer according to God’s will, you give glory and honor to His name. Count it a privilege that God has entrusted you with a season of suffering, because in those valleys, you become such a witness of His grace and power.

The name Christian was actually given to early church believers by unbelievers. It was a very derogatory term meant to ridicule and mock their faith. When the Church was first established, believers called each other brothers and sisters, disciples or saints. But the name Christian was not officially given until later. When Paul and Barnabas assembled in Antioch to teach in the church, we find that disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26).

Throughout Scripture, you will find early references to followers of Christ being referred to as Christians––if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed... (1 Peter 4:16). While under arrest, Paul had an amazing opportunity to share his testimony with King Agrippa. It was so powerful that the king responded: “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). But sadly, almost was not enough. In fact, if Paul had not appealed his case to Caesar, the king reasoned with his company that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or chains. He could have been released.

Never be ashamed of the Gospel; always give a reason to others for the hope you have in Christ. May God be glorified through your life.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes....
~Romans 1:16~

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