In
this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been
grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more
precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to
praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen
you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible
and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your
souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)
Peter
mentions suffering several times in this letter: 1 Peter 1:6-7; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:9. When he speaks of trials, he is not talking
about natural disasters or the experience of God’s punishments, but the
response of an unbelieving world to people of faith. All believers face such trials when they let
their light shine into the darkness. We
must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities
and prepares us to meet Christ. Trials
teach us patience (Romans 5:3, 4; James 1:2, 3) and help us grow to be the kind
of people God wants.
