Peter's first letter reminds us that a victim of unjust punishment deserves much credit. He writes "if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval." This should be comforting to all who are criticized and ostracized when standing for the hard right against the easy wrong.
It hurts when we must disagree with those we respect and admire. We are saddened that we can't just go along with the majority because we know that what they are doing is wrong. Worse, to be punished for standing alone is very difficult to endure. But it is the courage and suffering of individuals who endure this pain that moves us all forward. They have God's approval.
