1 Peter 3:14-17 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

In 1 Peter 1:1, Peter said he was writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners. The root word he used in the original language was parepídēmos, which means stranger, sojourner, or someone passing through. He wasn’t just talking about their location, he was talking about their destination. Peter was reiterating a theme found throughout God’s story that would set the groundwork for his letters. Peter wanted the early Christians, and all Christians, to know this world, as it is, is not our home. We are different. We are strangers passing through. This world may be our current location, but we have a different destination.

We are different, not because of our location, but because of our destination. Our marriages are different, our calling is different, our morals are different, our appearances are different, our response to suffering is different, our words are different, and our families are different. Why? We are different, not because of our location, but because of our destination. You may live in the place you were born, but if you follow Christ, you’re a foreigner in the world. 1 Peter 3:22 reminds us Jesus is no longer a sojourner; He is home sitting next to His Father—and your Father. In verse 18, Peter told us Jesus suffered for our sins to bring us to God, to our home. 

As you read 1 Peter chapter 3, consider how your destination should affect your direction. Does my marriage point my spouse, my family, and my friends toward God? Do my conversations, favorite shows, and gut-level reactions look like I’m headed toward God? Do I work, spend money, and lead like someone who’s following Jesus home? In general, do I look more like my location or my destination?

What was the ground and reason of their hope?

Surely it is better to suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing, whatever our natural impatience at times may suggest. The example of Christ is an argument for patience under sufferings. In the case of our Lord’s suffering, he that knew no sin, suffered instead of those who knew no righteousness. The blessed end and design of our Lord’s sufferings were, to reconcile us to God, and to bring us to eternal glory. He was put to death in respect of his human nature, but was quickened and raised by the power of the Holy Spirit. If Christ could not be freed from sufferings, why should Christians think to be so? Bible Hub

But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye; better, but although ye should suffer. St. Peter knew that persecution was coming; he wished to prepare his readers for it. He recalls to their thoughts the eighth beatitude, almost reproducing the Lord’s words (Matthew 5:10). Such suffering would do them no real harm; nay, it would bring with it a true and deep blessing.

One day, we will reign with Jesus, and we will be honored for our faithfulness to him. As 1 Peter 3:14 says, “Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.” Assured of our future in Christ, we can fearlessly live for him.

You need not cry very loud; he is nearer to us than we think.- Brother Lawrence