Righteous Suffering

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

Jesus. Our Perfect Savior, who, while He walked among us, was a perfect Man. Thus, He became the perfect, and ultimate, Sacrifice for our sins. He was the only One worthy to pay the price that God the Father would accept, as payment for us, in order to redeem us, and offer us eternal life. I say all this to say that, in this verse's context, the Apostle Paul is telling his audience that there are times, as born again believers, when we will do what is right, and according to God's will, but still suffer. However, just as Jesus' suffering led to good (our salvation, and His glory), so our suffering He will also work out for our good, and His glory. He made us that promise, and He never goes back on a promise. We may not always like the circumstances or the timing, but it always comes down to our faith, and how much we trust Him, when He allows us to suffer for doing good. We may do good for others who may turn around and betray us, forsake us, gossip about us, and even mistreat us. Our response should always be that we consider that we did what we did following God's leading. Therefore, He knows our heart, and intentions, and ultimately is the One we will receive our reward from. So remember, we live in a sinful, fallen world; one where even other Christians may treat us as the world treats us. That does not matter. What matters is that we do what is right before God, and leave the consequences to the One who is in control of all things.