“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always 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, so 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 for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:14–17
I am so grateful for the book of 1 Peter, because it teaches us how to suffer well while also helping us understand why suffering well matters. This is not an easy task given the hatred of the world that is evidenced in the slaughtering of Christians in Nigeria, the harsh persecution of believers in Syria, and even the death of Charlie Kirk in our own country.
Around the globe faithful believers are suffering daily “for righteousness’ sake” , but how are we to respond to such things? In 1 Peter we see that the biblical response must rightly reflect our gospel priorities. Notice Peter’s train of thought in the passage above. He argues that if you suffer for what is right, namely obedience to Christ, you should not fear but rather hold fast to Christ and share your hope with those who come against you.
Can you see why that doesn’t humanly make sense?
- How can someone suffering at the hands of another even begin to speak of hope?
- Why would someone enduring persecution care enough about their opposition to share such hope?
These two questions are what often confounds the wise of this world (1 Cor 1:27-29) and over millenia have caused many honest seekers to consider the truth of the gospel. The powerful truth is that the answer to these two questions is rooted in the gospel itself.
The Source of our Hope
We can speak of hope in our suffering because those who are in Christ have an eternal hope that is secured in Jesus Christ Himself. The Holy One of God reigns in glory and will never be dethroned. His power and majesty fill every square inch of the universe and will one day be seen by all people who will bow in reverence to the King of Kings (Phil 2:10). Not only that, we have access to this all-powerful King because of His incredible grace given to all those who trust in His name. In Him we find forgiveness of our sins and are made right with God by way of the cross. Therefore, all that we have can be taken from us on this earth and yet we are still united with Christ and will enjoy the fullness of his love in the new heavens and earth. That is why we maintain our hope in the midst of suffering and opposition.
But what of the person who seeks our harm? Why should they have a chance at experiencing this hope? What about justice? Again, the gospel helps us to understand that if it were not for the grace of God we would be that person doing harm. We would be the one standing before God with blood on our hands and condemnation on our heads. Having tasted the grace and goodness of God that we did not deserve, we long to see others freed from their bondage to sin and death as we have been. This is what caused the church to open their doors to Saul, who had once imprisoned and killed them. Today, this is this same Spirit of grace that leads a widow to forgive the one who killed her husband. This is who we are as Christians because this is who Jesus is – and we are united with Him.
Gospel Motivation Leads to Gospel Moments
Since these things are true, let us be people who are “always being prepared” for this conversation. This conversation about our hope in Christ will not only come in moments of intense persecution, but also throughout our everyday, mundane lives.
- Your coworker may have a hostile view of Christians because of the sexual ethic of those who follow Jesus. How can you respond so that they understand that the freedom and joy that is found in Christ far surpasses the temporary pleasure of this world?
- The waiter at your favorite restaurant may have questions about the suffering of people in the Middle East. How can you point them to Jesus, who lived in that region, and spoke of a perfect Kingdom that is coming and will be full of justice and peace.
- Your atheist neighbor may have seen clips of the Charlie Kirk memorial and be struck by the forgiveness displayed by Erika Kirk. What would you say to help them understand the grace that you have received that empowers followers of Jesus to love our enemies just as Christ did on the cross? (Luke 23:34)
These are but a few gospel moments that can arise in the middle of our regular life.
The question for each of us is whether we are going to embrace those moments or dismiss them. Is our personal offense, agenda or convenience more important in that moment than the soul of another? If you feel convicted by that statement please know that I struggled to write it knowing I often prefer my own convenience.
Finally, if we do step out in boldness of faith and share the truth, let us do it in accordance to 1 Peter 3 and respond with “gentleness and respect”, because a gentle response to hatefulness further confirms the supernatural reality of our union with Christ. That kind of response comes from the very character of our Heavenly Father who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, (Ex 34:6-7)” He has shown these characteristics to every individual and nation since the fall of man.
Indeed, even as you read this the mercy and patience of God is holding back the destruction of all evil on the planet, which includes everyone who has not trusted in Christ. Therefore, I pray that God would help us feel that urgency and prepare our hearts to seek moments to share the glorious hope of the gospel.