We should live expecting to suffer as Christ suffered. We should so expect it that it won’t surprise us when it comes. Trials that refine us are a normal part of the Christian life that God uses to mature us (Jas 1:3-4). We should rejoice at the opportunity to share in Christ’s sufferings—to suffer for doing no wrong, just our faith as Christ suffered having done no wrong. We should rejoice in our suffering now because we will also rejoice and be glad when He returns and reveals His glory. When Christ returns, we will be rewarded for our faithfulness. We should consider ourselves blessed if we are insulted for the name of Christ because that confirms that the Spirit of God rests upon us (Mat 5:10-12; Luke 12:4-12). But we can only rejoice in suffering we don’t deserve. Don’t be caught doing things that would naturally result in suffering. Don’t live a life that would justifiably turn people against you. Blessed suffering is blameless suffering. If we suffer as a Christian, we must not be ashamed but glorify God because we have the privilege of being called Christians (little Christs or those that resemble Christ).

Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 and makes the point that if believers suffer a refining judgment, how much more will those who ignore the gospel not be able to escape a punishing judgment from God. Being a Christian is difficult because it involves suffering. If our sanctification is brought out through suffering, then how much worse will it be for those who refuse to believe. If suffering is a part of God’s will for the Christian, then we must trust Him completely with our lives in the firm belief that He knows what He is doing and that He won’t allow us to suffer needlessly (Rom 8:28).

Peter’s message is so different from the popular call to Christianity today. There is a loud call to Christianity because Jesus cares for you and wants what’s best for you. This is true but only half the story. Jesus knows that what’s best for us is to join Him in His suffering because from that we will receive an eternal reward. Will you boldly wear the name “Christian” at school or work and make sure you live a life that brings God glory through that name, even if it means suffering because of it?