1 Peter 3:13-18 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. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…

It is sometimes said that no good deed goes unpunished. It may seem that way in the natural but that is not the truth of the matter, for here the Scripture says if you suffer for doing good, you are blessed. In fact, beginning with verse 8 this chapter of 1 Peter gives line by line encouragement on how to survive in a hostile environment. The over-arching principle is “do not repay evil with evil, or insult with insult but with blessing.”

The believer’s role is always going to be to de-escalate tensions, even if it means you have to shut up or in some way surrender your “rights”. Why? “To this you were called, so that you may inherit a blessing.” Still not convinced? Well, just think about it. “For Christ died once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”

For someone reading this, being maligned, abused, or refused what was rightly yours has happened for no other reason than that you are a Christian.  What should be your response? “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16)