Share the Sufferings of Christ

^12 (A)Beloved, do not be surprised at the ^(B)fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; ¹³ but to the degree that you ^(C)share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the ^(D)revelation of His glory ^(E)you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted ^[a](F)for the name of Christ, ^(G)you are blessed, ^(H)because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. ¹⁵ Make sure that ^(I)none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a ^[b](J)troublesome meddler; ¹⁶ but if anyone suffers as a ^(K)Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to ^(L)glorify God in this name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment ^(M)to begin ^[c]with ^(N)the household of God; and if it ^(O)begins ^[d]with us first, what will be the outcome for those ^(P)who do not obey the ^(Q)gospel of God? ^18 (R)And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, ^[e]what will become of the ^(S)godless man and the sinner? ¹⁹ Therefore, those also who suffer according to ^(T)the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

⁶ Therefore ^(A)humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ having cast all your ^(B)anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. ^8 (C)Be of sober spirit, ^(D)be on the alert. Your adversary, ^(E)the devil, prowls around like a roaring ^(F)lion, seeking someone to devour. ^9 [a](G)So resist him, ^(H)firm in your faith, knowing that ^(I)the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your ^[b]brothers and sisters who are in the world. ¹⁰ After you have suffered ^(J)for a little while, the ^(K)God of all grace, who ^(L)called you to His ^(M)eternal glory in Christ, will Himself ^(N)perfect, ^(O)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ^11 (P)To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.