“19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” NIV

Whenever you experience mistreatment at the hands of others (and the principle can, I believe, be applied more widely than persecution), don’t let it deflect you from doing the right thing. You can’t control anyone else’s behaviour, but you can do plenty about yours! (Obviously, with Divine help).

‘Keep on keeping on.’

‘’Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers’’ Galatians 6:9,10.

In the context of 1 Peter, we have the example of Jesus:

‘’When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly’’ 1 Peter 2:23 (see verse 21).

If we do what Peter says to do here, we will be following Jesus.

PRAYER: Help me to remember, Lord, that suffering is not a mistake. If I go through hard times, please cause me to recognise that if, in your will, you bring me to it, you will also bring me through it.