The Grands Letter (1 Pet/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on June 6, 2026 5:13 am (CST)
Dear Grands,
1 Peter 1:3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…”
It’s always good to hear someone rejoice! Especially is this so when the rejoicing originates from someone suffering immensely for his or her faith in the LORD Jesus Christ.
There are various kinds of suffering. Some suffering originates from intentional physical abuse. Other suffering arises from emotional disturbances. Accusations can often be more hurtful than physical torture. The early Christians suffered in incalculable ways, being maligned both physically and emotionally.
Believers today often suffer as they seek to share Christ with others, whether at home or in some incidental place of encounter. Missionaries quite often suffer at the hands of native people with whom they have come to share the Savior. Suffering simply becomes the earnest Christian’s normal way of life wherever he goes.
The suffering Christian, however, is not without protection. The LORD allows the believer to suffer that he might prove his faith, even as it is being tested by fire! Yet, He is ever closer than the most doting parent. “Do not be afraid…for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”
Heartily in Christ,
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
United States of America
“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom
