June 5
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SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
13 And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE IN DREAD, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. – 1 Peter 3:13-16
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In this letter. Peter gives us a very important teaching. He wants all believers to suffer for the sake of righteousness. He didn’t say just suffer but the clause “for the sake of righteousness is the qualifier for that kind of suffering he is admonishing believers to follow. We can usually suffer because of some losses or because we made a wrong choice that resulted in a consequence that make our lives miserable or inconvenient. When we choose to do our will instead of doing God’s will, we will suffer, but not for righteousness. It is suffering as a result of foolishness. In verse 14, Peter says that suffering for the sake of righteousness comes with blessings. The kind of misery that we suffer for doing what is right proves our ardent love for the Lord. Peter says that when we have such fervent desire to do what is good, we won’t have a need to fear or be intimidated by anyone.
In verse 15, Peter gives us another very wise instruction. He says that we need to purify ourselves by making Jesus as Lord of our hearts, and always ready to defend Him to all those who asks for an explanation why we have such hope in Jesus. We need to remember to do in gentleness and respect. We do not want to argue or to bluntly force our defense to those who oppose Christ’s teachings. He wants us to have a good conscience so that when someone attacks us, they will be put to shame.
Sadly, the world system doesn’t recognize what it is to suffer for righteousness’ sake. The kind of pain we encounter as humans. It focuses much on suffering just because we didn’t get what we desire. Sometimes, we suffer because we disobeyed God’s will on purpose.
Peter wants us to endure ridicule or criticism or being ostracized for doing the right thing. It is not easy to take rejection, but Peter tells us that we will be blessed if we learn to face adversities when it is for the sake of righteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience that you suffered for righteousness’ sake.