Suffering for Being a Christian

12Dear friends, don’t be surprised by the painful suffering you are going through. Don’t feel as if something strange were happening to you. 13Be joyful that you are taking part in Christ’s sufferings. Then you will be filled with joy when Christ returns in glory.

14Suppose people make fun of you because you believe in Christ. Then you are blessed, because God’s Spirit rests on you. He is the Spirit of glory. 15Suppose you suffer. Then it shouldn’t be because you are a murderer or a thief. It shouldn’t be because you do evil things. It shouldn’t be because you poke your nose into other people’s business. 16But suppose you suffer for being a Christian. Then don’t be ashamed. Instead, praise God because you are known by that name.

17It is time for people to be judged. It will begin with the family of God. And since it begins with us, what will happen to people who don’t obey God’s good news? 18Scripture says,

“Suppose it is hard for godly people to be saved.

Then what will happen to ungodly people and sinners?” (Proverbs 11:31)

19Some people will suffer because God has planned it that way. They should commit themselves to their faithful Creator. And they should continue to do good.