12. My friends, don’t be surprised at the painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don’t think that something strange is happening to you.
13. But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory.
14. When people say bad things to you because you follow Christ, consider it a blessing. When that happens, it shows that God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, is with you.
15. You may suffer, but don’t let it be because you murder, steal, make trouble, or try to control other people’s lives.
16. But if you suffer because you are a “Christ-follower,” don’t be ashamed. You should praise God for that name.
17. It is time for judging to begin. That judging will begin with God’s family. If it begins with us, then what will happen to those who don’t accept the Good News of God?
18. “If it is hard for even a good person to be saved, what will happen to the one who is against God and full of sin?” Proverbs 11:31 (Greek version)
19. So if God wants you to suffer, you should trust your lives to him. He is the one who made you, and you can trust him. So continue to do good.