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1 Peter 2:18 “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentles but also to the unjust. (ESV).”1 Peter 2:19 “For it is commendable [a gracious thing - ESV] if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. (NIV) [...mindful of God, one endures sorrows... - ESV]“
1 Peter 2:20 “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing [commendable - NIV] in the sight of God.” (ESV)
This is a specific example of how to submit to authority. Again Peter says with ALL respect, to every kind of master. Not only the good ones or the ones you like. He goes on to say that it is a gracious or commendable thing to suffer unjustly for doing what is right. The previous verses directly tie into this, for if we are doing good with respect to everyone, if we are to get criticized it will be unjustly done. According to what Peter has been previously saying, we are to live in such a way that occasions for just criticism do not exist! We are to live impeccable lives as servants of God so no man may criticism or punish us justly, because there will be nothing to criticize or punish. Are we perfect? No, but by God’s grace we can live in such a way that pleases Him. A life conscious of God and pleasing Him. When suffering does come, we endure it because that is pleasing to God. We accomplish this by being mindful of God in our sufferings. If we are focused on Him, we can realize that these unjust sufferings can be used to please Him. Peter then repeats his previous point: To suffer unjustly and endure it for God is commendable [a gracious thing in God's sight.] He also says that the opposite is true.
Application:
- Realize that unjust sufferings can be used to glorify God.
- Rely on God for the grace to suffer in a pleasing way.
- Live in such a way that no just sufferings come upon you.
- Be mindful of God in our everyday lives. Live with a focus on Him.
