1 Peter 2:19

1 Peter 2:19 says, For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.  Peter tells us that it is noteworthy if a person suffers for his or her faith in God.  This doesn't say if we suffer for any reason, but if we suffer because of our faith.  If as Christians we break the law because we don't like it, that doesn't mean that we are being persecuted and should be viewed as thankworthy.  Our actions should always bring glory to God and not to our self.  Verse twenty adds, For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.  Peter tells very plainly that if we are punished for our faults that this does not make our patience in suffering acceptable to God.   Then he tells us that there is a difference in suffering because of our sin and suffering because of our faith.   If we patiently suffer because of our faith in God, then this is noteworthy and acceptable to God.  It is not that we patiently suffer, but the reason that we do so that makes us acceptable to God.  Verse twenty-one continues, For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:   Peter tells us that because Jesus Christ suffered for His faith that we are called to patiently suffer for ours.  Verse twenty-two states, Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  Peter tells us that there was no sin or guile found in Jesus, but still He patiently endured death on the cross for our sins.  This is what God calls every Christian to do, and that is to be obedient to the heavenly Father no matter the cost in this life.   Verse twenty-three adds, Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:  Peter said that Jesus was reviled and threatened, but that He did not have the same attitude toward those who were doing this to Him.  He still reached out to them in love, and so must we.  Verse twenty-four continues, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.  Peter here professes the heart of the Gospel, and that is that Jesus suffered and died for our sins.  Jesus' death in total obedience to the heavenly Father defeated sin and its penalty for all who will put their faith in Him.  Verse twenty-five concludes, For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.  I know a lot of people call other people sheep as a form of insult, but Peter tells us that as Christians we are sheep who have gone astray, but that we have been returned to the fold of God by faith in Jesus Christ.  We are called to humbly follow Jesus Christ, no matter what.