“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (I Peter 4:19).

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter establishes insights and truths concerning suffering as it relates to God’s people.

Peter notes that suffering comes in many different forms (“manifold temptations” or trials [1:6]) and should not be thought of as out of the ordinary or “as though some strange thing happened unto you” (4:12). Actually, trials, testings, and suffering should help us to understand in some small part how Christ suffered (“partakers of Christ’s sufferings,” [4:13]). In Philippians 3:10, Paul described this as “the fellowship of His sufferings.” “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps” (I Peter 2:21).

The epistle also notes that suffering is only “for a season” (1:6), and it can produce some very positive results along the way. Such as: refining and purifying our faith (1:22); praise, honor, and glory “given to God” (1:7); plus, being perfected, established, strengthened, and settled (5:10).

Since suffering is directly stated to be an integral part of the will of God (above text), what attitudes then should be exemplified by the believer. (1) He should “greatly rejoice” (4:13; 1:6). (2) He should think of it as “more precious than of gold” (1:7). (3) He should consider himself blessed or fortunate. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you” (4:14). And (4) He should not be ashamed but rather glorify God in the midst of the trial. “On their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified” (4:14,16). “That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (4:11). NPS