For those who sing the glories of “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” of the “strong and free,” the words of today’s reading may ring hollow.

For most North Americans, intentionally living the Christian life is not likely to bring mistreatment, suffering, and persecution. Few of us face such threats. Perhaps the greatest threat to the Christian faith for us is apathy. We can remain unaware and unmoved by the suffering of those throughout the world who face persecution and death because of their faith.

The Christians to whom Peter writes were slaves kept in place by a political system. He does not condone mistreatment. Jesus was mistreated, endured pain, and suffered unjustly while entrusting it all to God. Peter makes it plain: The people can endure suffering because they are pursuing good—doing good deeds and glorifying God—not because they are doing evil.

The pain of Peter’s readers may be juxtaposed with the present situation of many Christians who are told they are free citizens, yet are more and more restricted, indeed oppressed, by a system beyond their control that mocks the affirmation of freedom.

There is no merit in longing for some golden age of persecution and martyrdom. Good deeds by which God is glorified are within the reach of us all. They are not of epic proportions.

Verbal revenge, foul language, mockery, ad hominem arguments, and shrill irrational rhetoric have become part of the molecular structure of the air we breathe. When lies are told about us, when we are insulted and defamed, we can refrain from responding in kind. A disciplined silence may be the most forceful witness. When others cause us to suffer, we entrust ourselves entirely to God. “For to this you have been called.”