For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (1 Peter 2:19-25).
Why is it a “gracious thing” to suffer unjustly (vv. 19–20)? ? Because, when we refuse to react to suffering in sinful ways, it makes us like Jesus and testifies to our confidence in him. Peter helpfully reminds us that God will not ask of us anything his Son was not willing to undergo himself. By his redemptive suffering, we know that any injustice we suffer in this world is merely temporary. Our vindication is sure, promised by our God, to whom vengeance belongs.
We also must keep God’s gracious purposes in mind when we suffer so that we do not despair over our suffering as if it were God’s punishment. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24) so that we do not have to. The punishment for our sin was taken by Christ in his crucifixion. It is profound consolation in our suffering to know that it is not a sign of God’s wrath on us. As Paul reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). As we suffer the wrath of those who revile us for our faith, our hearts can remain calm, for God has satisfied his own wrath in his own Son’s death.
Gospel Transformation Bible
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