If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Few people like to suffer; we generally avoid it if we can. But suffering is inevitable. Sometimes I suffer simply because I am human and growing old. But other times, the suffering we experience is at other people’s hands. And that is the suffering Peter refers to here.
As a believer, I should never have to suffer the consequences of some intentional wrong that I have done. I am called to live a godly and holy life that bears witness to the world around me of God’s goodness. And I should be ashamed of acting in a way that brings discredit to my Lord.
But I can rejoice if I face suffering because I have committed my life to Christ and seek to follow him. To be identified by the world as belonging to Jesus, and suffering because of that, is an honor rather than something to be ashamed of. And I can, and should, praise God that the world sees Christ in me.
As Jesus’ disciples, we should follow his example and live a life of love. And when we do, we can expect the world to treat us as they did Jesus. Do not be surprised or discouraged when you suffer because you bear the name of Christ. Instead, rejoice that you have been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Lord (Acts 5:41) and continue to serve him faithfully. And demonstrate love and forgiveness to those seeking to put us on the cross with Jesus (Luke 23:34).
