1 Peter 4:12–14 (ESV): Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

1 Peter 4:12 (ESV): Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Matthew 5:11–12 (ESV): “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 10:22 (ESV): and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

1 Peter 4:13–14 (ESV): But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Philippians 3:10–11 (ESV): that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

1 Peter 4:13–14 (ESV): But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

“Perhaps what we need is not more awesome experiences of God’s presence, but more situations where God’s presence is actually needed because all other hope has been removed.” —Ross Lester

“We formally rejoiced in uncleanness of life, but now love only chastity. Before we used the magic arts, but now dedicate ourselves to the true and unbegotten God. Before we loved money and possessions more than anything, but now we share what we have unto everyone who is in need. Before we hated one another and killed one another and would not eat with those of another race, but now since the manifestation of Christ we have come to a common life and pray for our enemies and try to win over those who hate us without just cause.” —Justin Martyr