Suffering for doing good

Norah Summers May 12, 2026 6 0

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1 Peter 3: 13-18 (NIV-UK)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

Some people believe that being rich and prosperous is a sign of virtue – well, without naming any names, we can think of some very rich and apparently prosperous people who act in really bad ways and do enormous harm.

And bad things happen to good people. Think of Job.

But it isn’t a matter of deserving.

The Christian life is not a bed of roses. We face adversity, illness, sorrow, as all humans do.

We may have to wait for things to come good.

Sometimes waiting itself can feel like suffering –

uncertainty, suspense, feeling paralysed, unable to move on. . .

The way out, the way on, can seem out of reach.

But God’s time is different.

And the answer will come.

Keep watch.

Take heart.

“The glory of the Lord shall be revealed. All the earth will see the Lord.

Wait for the Lord, his day is near.

Wait for the Lord, keep watch, take heart.”

(From Taizé, it can be found in Church Hymnary 4, 276)

Prayer:

Loving God, may we have courage and patience to live our lives in your time, not ours