Suffering Is Not Strange

Last week we heard how, in the face of suffering, we were to arm ourselves with the same attitude that Christ had, living not for ourselves but for the will of God. This week, from 1 Peter 4:7-19, in light of Christ's imminent return, we are urged to love and serve one another with the various gifts God has given, even as we endure persecution from outside of the church. As Peter concludes this central section of his letter, we are reminded that all we do - our conduct among unbelievers, how we endure suffering, and our love for another - is to be done 'in order that in everything God may be glorified'.
For Peter's original audience, and for ourselves today, we should not be surprised at the opposition which comes our way for the sake of Christ. Instead, we can rejoice because as we share in his sufferings we also share in his glory, and can be assured that 'the Spirit of glory and of God' rests upon us. It is with great confidence, therefore, that we can entrust our souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.