1 Peter 3:14: But Even If You Should Suffer For Righteousness' Sake, You Will Be Blessed. Have No Fear Of Them, Nor Be Troubled,

1 Peter 3:14

[14] But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, 

nor be troubled, (ESV) 

In general, the life of the true believer in Jesus Christ brings harmony to the society. Because we have received great love from God, we want to share that love with those around us. Ideally, the Christians in the society should be the most kind, generous, patient, loving neighbors anyone could have. If we do what is right in God's eyes, we should not, generally, be treated with evil.

Now, Peter says, even if you do suffer for your godly behavior, you will be blessed. This blessing that you receive may not be a physical, or financial, blessing. Rather, it is something for more lasting and valuable. We know that the greatest blessing is that which comes from above and turns into peace in our hearts. This is what the martyrs of the faith always knew. 

Consider the great martyr Polycarp. When he was asked to deny Christ or be burned at the stake, he said, "Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved Me?....I bless Thee for deigning me worthy of this day and this hour that I may be among Thy martyrs and drink the cup of my Lord Jesus Christ."

Polycarp knew that suffering for righteousness' sake would only bring the reward of Christ himself. He felt that it would be a blessing to be a martyr. This is the right attitude for every believer in Jesus Christ. This attitude is only possible if we have completely found our delight in Christ himself. Jesus is our reward. It is a blessing to suffer for him.

Have you experienced suffering for righteousness' sake? How have you also been blessed as a result? Celebrate that God has deemed you worthy to suffer for him.