Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 peter 4: 12-19

Every Christian who lives a godly life experiences certain amount of persecution. on the job, in school, in the neighbourhood, perhaps even in the family there are people who resist the truth oppose the gospel of Christ.

Now the people in Asia minor was going through a suffering which was quite fierce. Peter asks the Christians not to be surprised by the persecution rather it is bound to happen to a true follower of Christ.

Peter says to rejoice when we are persecuted because it is honour to participate in the suffering of Christ. Though for a short while it is difficult to go through what we are going through but glory that is about to be revealed will bring inexpressible joy.

We are being insulted by the world for our faith because the spirit of God lives in us and we do not belong to this world. when these things occur, we as a church must know we are being pruned to become a perfect bride of Christ. So, the judgment has begun from church.

If you suffer for being a Christian for living in word and deed consistently with the gospel of Jesus Christ—then do not be ashamed if society rejects and reviles you, whether through social banishment or official prosecution. You are blessed (4:14) and God is glorified when you suffer simply for bearing the name of Christ—not for being a Christian murderer, a Christian thief, a Christian evildoer, or even a Christian meddler.

The day of joy is coming; the night going to end and the day light is going to dawn on us. The bright morning star is going t appear. The time is near to make everything new.