Suffering for doing right

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” 1 Peter 3:13-15a
Unfortunately, it is true that if we do good, there will be people out there who want to harm us. Just watch any TV programme following the activities of the police on duty, and watch the abuse they receive as they try to do good and enforce the law. Just as those who are doing wrong see the police as people who are only there to stop them having fun, so too many unbelievers rail against Christians – even if the Christian is not confronting them about their sin. To them, we are an irritating reminder that what they are doing is wrong.
But the prospect of being persecuted – be it physical or verbal – is not an excuse to stop shining your light brightly for God. Peter tells us here, if we suffer for what is right, we are blessed. If we are faithful, we will receive the crown of life (Jas. 1:12, Rev. 2:10). As Christians, we have a higher calling in life – one given to us by God Himself. We are called to live on a higher plane, a spiritual one, that never ends.
So take courage today, if people are speaking ill of you because of your faith. People may ridicule us for doing good, but do good anyway. Set apart Christ as Lord in your heart, and live for Him.