What, according to Peter, should be the right Christian attitude to persecution and suffering?

Answer Details

The right Christian attitude to persecution and suffering according to Peter (1 Peter)

Peter wrote to encourage Christians who were suffering for their faith, and he set out the proper attitude they should have:

• Rejoice in suffering: Believers should rejoice that they share in Christ's sufferings, so that they may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. Though grieved by various trials, they should rejoice, for the testing of their faith is more precious than gold.
• See it as testing that refines faith: Trials come to prove and purify faith, as gold is refined by fire, resulting in praise, glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
• Suffer for doing right, not for wrongdoing: There is no credit in suffering for evil deeds, but it is a gracious thing to endure suffering unjustly while doing good. No one should suffer as a murderer, thief or evildoer.
• Do not be surprised, and do not be ashamed: The fiery trial is not something strange; if one suffers as a Christian, he should not be ashamed but glorify God in that name.
• Follow the example of Christ: Christ suffered for us, leaving an example. When reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but entrusted Himself to God who judges justly.
• Endure patiently, entrusting oneself to God: Those who suffer according to God's will should entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while continuing to do good.
• Be watchful and resist the devil: Be sober and vigilant, for the devil prowls like a roaring lion; resist him, firm in faith, knowing that fellow believers everywhere endure the same sufferings, and God will restore and strengthen them.

In sum, Peter teaches that Christians should bear persecution with joy, patience and steadfast faith, doing good, following Christ's example, and trusting God for final vindication and glory.