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Can suffering be a blessing?

Peter's words are a paradox. In verse 13, he rhetorically asks who can harm us if we are zealous for what is good? A similar question is found in Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” It seems like Christians are safe from trouble.

But Peter continues: “Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake…”. That was not a hypothetical, improbable option. It was the day-to-day reality for many of Peter’s readers! Romans 8 speaks about tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and the sword as very real dangers that Christians might be confronted with. How then can Peter and Paul say that everything is okay?

Apparently, there is something of greater value in all this suffering, something that can’t be lost or damaged by our enemies. That’s God’s blessing. Jesus Christ has already said so: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

Suffering itself is not desirable. But those who suffer for righteousness’ sake, are called blessed by Jesus. Their reward will be great in heaven (see Matthew 5:11-12).