16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. (1 Peter 3:16-17 KJV)
Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake
The confession of a Christian’s faith cannot credibly be supported without a good conscience and a good life. The conscience is good when it does its job well—when it is pure, free from guilt, and kept clear. Then it will justify you, even if others accuse you. A good life in Christ means a holy life, modeled after His teaching and example.
So, keep your conscience clear and live rightly. Even if people speak evil of you and falsely accuse you as wrongdoers, you will clear yourselves and bring them to shame. You may find it difficult to suffer for doing good—for keeping a clean conscience and living rightly—but do not be discouraged. It is better for you, even if worse for your enemies, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:16–17).
The most conscientious people cannot avoid the criticism and slander of the wicked. They will be spoken of as if they were wrongdoers and accused of actions they detest—just as Christ and His apostles were.
A clear conscience and a holy life are the best ways to preserve a good name. These form a reputation that is strong and lasting.
False accusations usually end in shame for the accuser, exposing their injustice, falsehood, and lack of charity.
Sometimes, God allows good people to suffer for doing what is right—for their honesty and faith.
Doing good may bring suffering, but doing evil will not prevent it. A person may suffer for either. If the sufferings of good people for doing right are so painful, how much worse will the suffering be for those who do evil? It is a miserable condition when sin and suffering meet—because sin turns suffering into something extreme, useless, without comfort, and even destructive.