image: The Complexity of Suffering – philressler.com
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange was happening to you.” - 1 Peter 4:12
The 2013 Academy Award for best actor went to Matthew McConaughey. In his acceptance speech, he thanked God, giving Him the credit for the blessings in his life. With other acceptance speeches, the crowd applauded loudly and enthusiastically. When McConaughey finished, the response was a scattering of polite, lukewarm clapping. They were not comfortable with an actor publicly thanking God. And, honestly, that’s not surprising – we’ve come to expect that from Hollywood. It’s what happened afterward, as the Twitter universe exploded with insults, that reinforces Peter’s warning:
“OK so you really deserved it, just stop the stupid god talk.”
“I thought we could get thru Oscars without someone thanking god but he had to ruin it.”
“As soon as they mention God, my brain gives up and tells me to drink more wine.”
“Ugh, I hate McConaughey! I can’t believe he’s thanking god.”
“I hate McConaughey!” For glorifying Adolph Hitler? For endorsing the KKK? No! He simply mentioned God, and that generated an avalanche of anger and hatred toward him.
Why do people attack like that with such anger and animosity? I don’t know. Times are certainly different today from Peter’s time. Persecution of faith in America doesn’t include being dragged from homes, beaten and hauled off to prison. But persecution comes in many forms and from many sources; it can come even when we walk the walk and talk the talk. Peter knew this. He asked this rhetorical question in the previous chapter:
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” – 1 Peter 3:13
Obviously, no one should harm us for doing good. Nevertheless, he adds this for our benefit:
“But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. Praise God because you wear that name.” – 1 Peter 4:16
We don’t need buttons or signs or constantly reminding people we’re Christians. Our words and actions and treatment of others will tell them. But even our best efforts may not be well received. If this happens: 1) don’t quit on God 2) don’t give up on people; 3) keep on loving.
Don’t Know Much, sung by Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville, was Song of the Year in 1989. The chorus says, “I don’t know much, but I know I love you. That may be all I need to know.”
In 47 years in ministry, some of the nicest things ever said about me were said by church members, and some of the meanest things ever said about me were said by church members. My response? “I don’t know much, but I know I love them all. That may be all I need to know.”
For the Best Team Ever, for those we work with, and for those we serve, we can truly say: “We may not know much, but we know we love each other. That may be all we need to know.”
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (6/8/2026)
