Is “Good Suffering” a Good Thing? – May 11, 2026
Read: 1 Peter 3:13-22
But in your hearts revere 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. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. 1 Peter 3:15-18
Is “Good Suffering” a Good Thing?
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A long time ago, there was a brave Christian man named Polycarp (Polly-carp). His name may sound funny to us, but it means “full of fruit.” That was a great name for him because his life showed the fruit of faith—trusting Jesus, loving the truth, and staying strong.
Polycarp learned about Jesus from the apostle John, one of Jesus’ disciples. Later, Polycarp became a church leader who helped people stay close to God’s true Word. He taught people about Jesus and stood up for what was true, even when it was hard.
One day, Polycarp was arrested because he was a Christian. By then, he was an old man. The ruler told him, “If you say Caesar is lord instead of Jesus, I’ll let you go free.” But Polycarp would not do it. He would not pretend someone else was greater than Jesus.
The ruler warned him again and again. He threatened him with wild animals and fire. But Polycarp answered with brave words Christians still remember today: “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and he never did me any wrong. How can I speak against my King who saved me?”
What made Polycarp so brave? It was Jesus. Polycarp knew that Jesus had suffered for him. Jesus suffered on the cross to take away his sins. Jesus died for him too. Jesus rose again for him. And Jesus had already made Polycarp his own in Baptism. That means Polycarp had hope.
Hope is not just wishing something good might happen. Hope is trusting that Jesus keeps his promises. Because Jesus lives, Polycarp knew that even if he was killed for being a Christian, they could never take away his Savior.
You may never face what Polycarp faced. No one may ever tell you to choose between Jesus and your life. But there may be times when someone laughs because you believe in Jesus. Someone may say church is dumb. Someone may make fun of what the Bible says. In those moments, it can feel hard to stand up for what you believe.
But Jesus is still with you. The same Jesus who gave Polycarp courage gives you courage too. He has saved you. He has called you his own. He has washed you in Baptism. He gives you hope that lasts forever. So, when it is hard to follow Jesus, remember Polycarp. Remember what made him brave. Jesus was his King. Jesus was his Savior. And Jesus is yours too.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and saving me. Thank you for dying on the cross and rising again for me. Thank you for making me your child in Baptism. When it is hard to follow you, make me brave. Help me trust you, love your truth, and gently tell others why Jesus is my hope. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Who was Polycarp? What made him brave?
- What is hope? How does Jesus give us hope?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Today’s devotion said it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Why is it worth it to do what is right, even when it’s hard?
- Have you ever had someone pick on you or make fun of you for being a Christian? How did that make you feel? How do the words we read today help you face that?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Think of catechism class. What do we mean when we talk about the humiliation and the exaltation of Christ?
- A confirmation tradition is that you confess your faith in front of a lot of people who are very supportive—family, friends, and fellow church members. What is one place—school, sports, friends, or online—where it can be hard to confess your faith? How can Jesus help you there? How will what you learned in catechism class and the encouragement of all those supportive people help you at that time?
