1 Peter 4:12-19

Contemporary English Version

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire. ¹³ Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when he makes his glorious return.

¹⁴ Count it a blessing when you suffer for being a Christian. This shows that God's glorious Spirit is with you. ¹⁵ But you deserve to suffer if you are a murderer, a thief, a crook, or a busybody. ¹⁶ Don't be ashamed to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God that you belong to him. ¹⁷ God has already begun judging his own people. And if his judgment begins with us, imagine how terrible it will be for those who refuse to obey his message. The Scriptures say,

¹⁹ If you suffer for obeying God, you must have complete faith in your faithful Creator and keep on doing right.