1 Peter 3:13-17 Suffering for doing good!

Hello all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

    So, what is happening in your world that may relate to the Bible, OR, what in the Bible will relate to you in your little (minute) world?  Let's go on in 1 Peter 3:
 ¹³ And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
<sup>Paul in Romans 8:34 had asked a question, "Who can condemn you?"; Peter is taking this view that if you are a follower of good and do good who would want to harm you?

 14</sup> But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.

  Peter is saying here, that if you do suffer, we suffer for Christ's sake. Now we won't be singing, skipping and jubilant; but we will be privileged to suffer for Christ's sake.
  
 ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

    Faith is a personal matter between you and Jesus; however, it should not be something kept to oneself, a secret.  We should always be ready to share our faith in meekness and fear.  This does not mean you become Melba Milktoast; but do not be loud and/or obnoxious when you share your faith.  Just share what Christ has done in your life.  Fear does not mean to tremble, but in reverence and worship to God.

  ¹⁶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

   You may not be able to keep people from speaking evil against you, but you can at least stop supplying them with ammunition.  As long as you do what is right, their accusations will be empty and only embarrass them.  Keep your conduct above criticism.
  ¹⁷ For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

    Look carefully at this verse.  You are better off in God's will.  God's will may allow you to suffer, but this is better than to do evil.  Listen to God; He will lead you.  The apostles, the prophets did not always have a life of lollipops and unicorns; many times they were in prison, tortured, and a huge subject of ridicule.  Stand firm in God, in God's word.

  QUESTION:  Are you willing to suffer in Christ for doing good?   Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny