Key Verse: 1 Peter 4:15 “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” The Bible has a lot to say about suffering. Jesus tells us that we will suffer in this world if we live for Him, God reminds us that He will comfort us in the midst of our suffering, we are also exhorted to comfort others as they suffer, we are also reminded that if the world persecutes us and we suffer at the hands of the world we should not be surprised and they did the same to Jesus. Suffering is a common theme found in 1 Peter, but in 1 Peter 4:15 Peter exhorts the church to make sure they don’t suffer due to sinful behavior. The first two sins are very specific. Don’t let your suffering be a result of being a murderer or a thief. Peter then broadens it by saying evildoer. This probably covers a vast number of sins. His point is that our suffering in the world should not be a result of wicked deeds. We should not suffer due to sexual sins, or social sins. The final sin he mentions is that of being a busybody. What does this mean? A busybody is someone who is always forcing themselves into other people’s business, and then they are busy talking to other people about other people’s business. They are an intentional gossip. Peter says we should never suffer in this regard either. Gossips usually suffer because eventually no one trusts them and then they wonder why no one likes them. They have more enemies then friends, and the reason is because they are gossip about the same people they want to be ‘friends’ with. Peter reminds us that we should not suffer because we are gossips!! If your a gossip, repent and keep your mouth shut!
