Suffering with Courage

1 Peter 4:1-6

In the book of 1 Peter, the apostle sets forth our transformed identity. We are resident aliens under God’s eternal care, with the potential for multiplied power (1:1-2). In this section of his book (3:13-4:6), Peter applies our new identity to the problem of suffering. The intense persecutions of Nero haven’t climaxed yet, but serious opposition is heating up, and his readers feel the growing tension. In the first six verses of this chapter, Peter urges us to respond to suffering with courage. These verses certainly apply to persecution for our faith, but they are written more generally to invite courage in any form of suffering. How can we suffer with courage?