Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake

All people experience suffering in this life, but not for the same reasons. Some will suffer the effects of a disease that they could not have predicted or prevented. Others endure painful consequences of the crimes or other sins that they have committed. Christians suffer at times because of righteousness, because they choose to follow Christ instead of going along with the ways of the world.

Peter’s first epistle addresses primarily the suffering that believers endure for the sake of righteousness. This subject receives particular focus in 1 Peter 2:18–4:6, which we are studying this month. The Apostle describes how we are to live as we suffer for Jesus.

As Peter gives instruction for how to remain faithful in suffering, he considers the roles and responsibilities of husbands, wives, and servants as well as the duties that all Christians share in the church and our response to unbelievers. The Christian’s proper response is always grounded in sound theology, so Peter directs us to the work of Christ and His exaltation to encourage us in our trials. May the Lord strengthen us to remain faithful to Him and persevere through the suffering that we experience on account of Him.