Re: What does judgment mean in 4:12-19

[Melinda]

It has struck me that within the context of this passage, Peter
describes a reality that is different than the usual one human beings
live in. Suffering is not a strange thing happening to the believer
but the appropriate experience for those whose example is the
suffering Christ (4:12). Rejoicing in this suffering, for instance,
is the logical response (4:13). Insult is a blessing (4:14). Abuse
from pagan neighbors is not shameful but an occasion to praise God
that wearing the name of Christ results in such abuse (4:16). So in
the context of this new order, those who are suffering are clearly
different than those who are giving the abuse. With this view in
mind, Peter's readers can look about at the people in their world and
know that their pagan neighbors declare themselves, as they abuse
their Christian neighbors, in rebellion to this reality Christians
understand (4:4-5). In time, when the glory of God is revealed, the
pagan neighbors will be the ones who suffer and it will be a terrible
suffering much greater than the present suffering experienced now by
the family of God (4:17). Judgment, then, is already happening when
Christians suffer and pagans abuse.

I don't think we have to draw the conclusion, then, that if we're not
experiencing persecution, we are not being faithful. Peter is writing
to Christians who need encouragement to see their lives in a different
light. Suffering can take the form of setting aside our own
preferences (3:8) or in offering hospitality without grumbling (4:9)
or loving really unloveable brothers and sisters in Christ (4:8).
Living like this is qualitatively different than the life of pagans
and it gives God the praise He deserves (4:11)