1 Peter 4:15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
The outcome of sin is often suffering. Our suffering should not be from our sins but because of our righteousness. This is a difficult concept to accept, especially from the world’s perspective. Most people would agree that suffering for doing the types of sins mentioned in this verse is a form of justice. The Bible teaches two ideas about this. On the one hand, the punishment should fit the crime. If someone kills someone else intentionally, that person should pay with his or her life. On the other hand, often times crimes often are forgiven if there is repentance and restitution. Even small, personal sins that are not mentioned in this verse may lead to pain and sorrow. The point Peter is making is that our suffering should not be because of the wrongs we have done but because we are following in the footsteps of Jesus and have found our identity in Him. Evil doers deserve suffering for doing wrong. Righteous doers do not deserve suffering. It is a form of injustice, especially in God’s eyes who will judge the wicked for the acts of harm they do against God’s people (1 Peter 4:5).
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