(a) Why did Peter advise Christians to rejoice despite the trials they may be going through? (b) State two virtues which Christians should manifest to show ...

(a) Why Peter advised Christians to rejoice despite their trials (1 Peter 1:3-9)

• God, in His great mercy, had given them a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, so they had cause for joy even in suffering.
• They were kept for an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for them, which no trial on earth could destroy.
• The trials were only for a little while, temporary and passing, and therefore not to be compared with the eternal reward ahead.
• The trials served a purpose: they tested and refined the genuineness of their faith, just as gold is refined and purified by fire, so that their faith might prove precious.
• The tested faith would result in praise, glory and honour at the revelation (second coming) of Jesus Christ.
• Though they had not seen Christ, they loved and believed in Him, and so were filled with an unspeakable and glorious joy.
• The outcome of their faith was the salvation of their souls, the ultimate reason for rejoicing.

(b) Two virtues Christians should manifest to show their joy

• Holiness / holy living: as God is holy, believers should be holy in all their conduct, reflecting inward joy through pure lives.
• Brotherly love: sincere love for one another from a pure heart demonstrates the joy and new life they possess.

(Other acceptable virtues include hope, self-control, sobriety, obedience and patience.)