Read 1 Peter 4:12–19

Psychologists and medical professionals have long talked about the fight or flight response that people typically have when faced with a threatening situation. Our natural tendency is to either prepare for battle or run away.

Peter’s audience was going through a stressful and threatening time. It was so intense that Peter calls it a “fiery ordeal” (v. 12). While we do not know all the specifics of the situation, believers were suffering for their faith in Christ (v. 16). Peter’s advice to these troubled believers was not to run away and hide. He also did not counsel them to fight back in word or deed. Instead, they should rejoice (v. 13)! The reason is that in their suffering they “participate in the sufferings of Christ” (v. 13).

The same is true for us today. If we are publicly shamed or humiliated for our faith in Christ, it helps us identify more closely with our Savior. Our suffering is also not the end of the story. God will one day vindicate His children. Peter goes on to encourage the church that they will be “overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (v. 13).

Now, it is possible to suffer for reasons that have nothing to do with our faith in Christ. Sometimes it may be tempting to interpret any opposition as persecution. But the reality is that sometimes it is just our own bad behavior that got us into that situation. Peter knew that all too well. He warned his audience, “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler” (v. 15). In those situations, we need to repent.

Go Deeper

Have you experienced opposition when you took a stand for Jesus? How are we to respond when attacked for our faith? Know that we can trust God to make all things right in His perfect timing.

Pray with Us

Dear Lord, we praise You for Your plan of salvation! We are full of gratitude that, though we suffer on earth, it is not the end of the story. One day, we will be with You forever.

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed.1 Peter 4:14

 

 

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