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In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
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trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.
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For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.
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But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
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To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
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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.
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Suffering for Doing Good
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
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But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
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For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
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For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
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Living for God
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
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Suffering for Being a Christian
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.
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But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
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If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
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However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
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So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
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To the Elders and the Flock
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:
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Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
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And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
