When you’re struggling, it’s easy to bury yourself in your pain and use it as an excuse to do wrong. There was an example last week when Omar Thorton, an employee at a beer distribution plant, killed others and himself in Manchester, Connecticut. Early reports say he acted out of frustration over what he felt was unfair racial treatment at his workplace.

As a Christian, you are not immune to suffering. There will be pain. There will be trails. But God calls you to handle it differently than the world does. The world will tell you your pain justifies bad behavior. But as a Believer, you are called to continue to do good even in the toughest of times. That’s what makes you different. Scripture talks about this many times like these verses in 1 Peter:

1 Peter 4:12-19, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
Do not use your pain as justification to do wrong. As a Believer, you’re called to do more: first, to recognize God as Lord of all and second, to honor Him by pressing on with an attitude of grace and kindness through that pain.

Christ suffered for you, and when you suffer it should be used to glorify Him. No, being a Christian won’t keep you from pain in life but it certainly should affect the way you react to it.