19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while ysuffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, zwhen you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because aChrist also suffered for you, leaving you an bexample, so that you might follow in his steps.
Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake
8 Finally, all of you, have wunity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a xtender heart, and a yhumble mind. 9 zDo not repay evil for evil or areviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that byou may obtain a blessing. 10 For
c“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
dlet him eseek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now fwho is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be gblessed. hHave no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, ialways being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, jso that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than kfor doing evil.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to ltest you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But mrejoice insofar as you nshare Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are oinsulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the pSpirit of glory1 and of God rests upon you. 15 qBut let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone rsuffers as a sChristian, let him not be tashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment uto begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for vthose who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
w“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”2
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will xentrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
10 And after you have osuffered a little while, the God of all grace, pwho has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
