1 Peter 3:14  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

One would not expect to suffer for doing what is right. Although people abuse one another for selfish reasons, God sees the faithfulness of his children. Temptation comes with persecution because we instinctively want to flee pain. The powerful motivation in this verse for enduring through suffering is the blessing that awaits. Peter may be reflecting on Jesus’ Beatitude in Matthew 5:10-12: “¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely on account of me. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because your reward in heaven is great, for thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

How can suffering be a blessing? In this lifetime, enduring suffering produces a stronger hope (Romans 5:3). It strengthens our character as we learn to trust God more. We realize that things of the earth are often spiritually futile or even antagonistic. Peter quotes Isaiah 8:12 to encourage his readers not to give in when they suffer. Their suffered because they did what was right, which seems ironic and could be discouraging. They were to live out their holiness, no matter what type of response they got. The darkness does not like the light. Those who live holy lives through faith in Christ may experience suffering because unbelievers often oppose God’s people. Suffering could bring fear of pain, sorrow, or questions whether God cares or even exists. One blessing that will come with endurance is a stronger faith. God will grant blessings beyond this life (Revelation 20:4), which provides a motivation we often forget.