We are all familiar with and have experienced the old proverb, “No good deed goes unpunished.” To this, I can confidently say, “Rejoice! All the MORE reason to do good!” Consider a few verses from 1 Peter…
1:6 — In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while,
if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.
2:19-20 — For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
3:14 — But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.
3:17-18 — For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.
4:1 — Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.
4:13 — But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
4:19 — Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.