“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled” – 1 Peter 3:13-14
Peter’s first letter provides excellent practical and theological advice for navigating times of suffering and hostility toward authentic Christianity. This is a good word for Christians today as we should be preparing ourselves for an increase in opposition within our culture. Don’t simply lament the situation, prepare for it!
Peter is quite correct – most of the time, in most situations throughout history people aren’t going to oppose, harass, or stop a person genuinely focused on doing good works in the name of Jesus. Even if they don’t like the name of Jesus, it’s very hard for those in power to stop obviously good things from being done to care for the poor, sick, lonely, outcast, weak, and vulnerable. God often protects such work supernaturally.
However, what if people do try to stop you? This is the practical part of Peter’s letter! Don’t worry about it! If you’re opposed, persecuted, or hurt for doing good works for the good name of Jesus, don’t worry about it! Why? Because God will bless you for doing these good works! That isn’t just a quick blessing after you sneeze. Rather, God will bless you eternally for the brief (compared to all of eternity) suffering you may have to endure while serving and glorifying Him.
Don’t let the fear of a few years of difficulty or pain scare you off from experiencing unending blessings for doing the right things for Christ! Don’t be troubled at the prospect or loss or even imprisonment for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Like the Apostles, welcome the opportunity to be opposed for the sake of Jesus and His love, because that’s a mark of God present and future blessing.