READ: 1 Pet. 3:13-17: … But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid … But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense… for the hope that is in you… having a good conscience… For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Peter extensively discusses the problem of suffering. As a disciple, he did not understand it at first and it caused great resistance within him. Peter rebuked his Savior when He announced His suffering, he used a sword to challenge Christ’s arrest, and denied Him. But Peter has come to understand that he and all believers must suffer, sometimes even to martyrdom (John 33:12). It does not happen to them by chance; it is the will of God.
Now, Peter teaches us and the churches this: The way to glorious blessedness is a path of suffering (Rom. 8:18). Peter knows better than anyone else that this causes great resistance within oneself.
Especially as a believer, you can easily give in to a fierce, sinful reaction, or you might become afraid of it. But God also asks us for a good conscience, which is focused on His Word and commandments with a holy behavior, even in those situations. Then the opponents cannot harm your soul (v. 13) and cannot bring anything true against you (v. 16). Then the cause of Christ will not be slandered by your actions. Through suffering, we are also tested to see if we continue to place our hope in Christ.
Do we hold on under all circumstances, even in severe suffering, to the assurance that Christ leads and directs everything towards our blessedness? Are we willing to testify of Him to those who harm us or may even want to kill us (Matt. 10:32)?
Peter says: do it with meekness, seeking and not provoking. Let us pray for the Spirit for this!
How can you be happy for suffering? (1 Pet. 4:13)
Singing: Ps. 109:13