1 Peter 4:16

But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! (1 Peter 4:16 NLT)

It is not shameful to suffer for being a Christian. When Peter and John were persecuted for preaching the Good News, they rejoiced because such persecution was a mark of God’s approval of their work. Don’t seek out suffering, and don’t try to avoid it. Instead, keep on doing what is right regardless of the suffering it might bring.

REFERENCE: Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion

1 Peter 3:11

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (1 Peter 3:11 NLT)

Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict, and we think of peacemaking as a passive role. But an effective peacemaker actively pursues peace. He or she builds good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment. The peacemaker anticipates problems and deals with them before they occur. When conflicts arise, he or she brings them into the open and deals with them before they grow unmanageable. Making peace can be harder work than waging war, but it results not in death but in life and happiness.

REFERENCE: Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion

1 Peter 2:21-22

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. (1 Peter 2:21-22)

We may suffer for many reasons. Some suffering is the direct result of our own sin, some happens because of our foolishness, and some is the result of living in a fallen world. Peter is writing about suffering that comes as a result of doing good. Christ never sinned, and yet he suffered so that we could be set free. When we follow Christ’s example and live for others, we too may suffer. Our goal should be to face suffering as he did-with patience, calmness, and confidence that God is in control of the future.

REFERENCE: Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion