Topical Bible: Conscience: Suffer Patiently For

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of suffering patiently for the sake of conscience is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, reflecting a commitment to righteousness and obedience to God's will, even in the face of adversity. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of enduring suffering with patience and integrity, guided by a clear and godly conscience.

Biblical Foundation

1. 1 Peter 2:19-20 : "For it is commendable if someone endures pain while suffering unjustly because of conscience toward God. But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." This passage underscores the virtue of enduring suffering for the sake of a good conscience toward God. It emphasizes that such endurance is not only commendable but also aligns with God's approval.

2. Acts 24:16 : "In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man." The Apostle Paul speaks of his diligent effort to keep a clear conscience, which often led him to suffer for his faith. His life serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining integrity and righteousness, even when it results in personal hardship.

3. Hebrews 10:32-34 : "Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were treated this way. You sympathized with the prisoners and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession." This passage reflects the early Christians' willingness to suffer for their faith, driven by a conscience that was aligned with eternal values rather than temporal comforts.

Theological Insights

Theologically, suffering for the sake of conscience is seen as a participation in the sufferings of Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of one who suffered unjustly yet remained obedient to the will of the Father. Christians are called to follow His example, understanding that such suffering is not in vain but serves a higher purpose in God's redemptive plan.

Practical Implications

1. Moral Integrity: A clear conscience requires adherence to moral and ethical standards, even when it leads to suffering. Christians are encouraged to prioritize their spiritual integrity over societal acceptance or personal comfort.

2. Witness to the World: Suffering patiently for conscience's sake serves as a powerful testimony to the world. It demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel and the believer's unwavering commitment to Christ.

3. Spiritual Growth: Enduring suffering with patience can lead to spiritual maturity. It refines character, strengthens faith, and deepens one's reliance on God.

Historical Examples

Throughout history, many Christians have exemplified the principle of suffering for conscience. The early martyrs, the Reformers, and countless others have faced persecution and hardship, choosing to suffer rather than compromise their faith. Their accounts continue to inspire believers to hold fast to their convictions, trusting in God's ultimate justice and reward.

In summary, the call to suffer patiently for conscience is a profound aspect of the Christian life, rooted in Scripture and exemplified by Christ and His followers. It challenges believers to live with integrity, bear witness to their faith, and grow in their relationship with God, even amidst trials.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:19
For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off ...
... by his example, if it happened to be their hard haps to fall into affliction or
trouble, then to suffer patiently for the sake of a good conscience, and for ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/a continuation of mr bunyans.htm

A Continuation of Mr. Bunyan's Life, Beginning Where He Left Off ...
... by his example if it happened to be their hard haps to fall into affliction or trouble,
then to suffer patiently for the sake of a good conscience, and for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a continuation of mr bunyans.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... enemies." That is true; but it is one thing to suffer patiently, the while ... could
my enemies inflict them, than to condemn myself in violation of conscience. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

Messiah's Innocence vindicated
... many, to act in defiance to the light and conviction of his conscience. ... they suffer
unjustly, may learn, from the example of their Lord, to suffer patiently. ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxiv messiahs innocence vindicated.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... for no man, that will persecute another for his conscience, would suffer for his ...
Thus after much and many kind of sufferings thus patiently borne, which ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

Endurance
... Therefore the foolish world was awed, conscience-stricken, pricked to the heart,
when ... this is the true heroism"to do well and suffer for it patiently.'. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxi endurance.htm

Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
... of our constitution and government is friendly to liberty of conscience, and the ...
of God, then they are not to obey, but to suffer patiently, committing their ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxiii opposition to messiah.htm

Look we Then, Beloved, what Hardships in Labors and Sorrows Men ...
... of a good conscience, not the foe of innocence. Footnotes: [2633] Sallust Catilin,
cv c5. When therefore thou shall see any man suffer aught patiently, do not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on patience /3 look we then beloved.htm

The Sin-Bearer.
... For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering ...
but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the sin-bearer.htm

(On the Passion, vii. )
... For they are saddened not by the accusations of conscience, but by the ... prayer, that
they may conquer their fear and trembling, and learn to suffer patiently. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lviii on the passion.htm