Grace
This letter is written by Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, to people who are suffering because they are Christians. Since they are suffering, they may be considering abandoning their faith and returning to the way they used to live. Choosing to do that would allow them to fit in with everyone else and avoid suffering. Peter reminds them of God’s grace in verse 10. They would be foolish to abandon their faith because of temporary suffering.
All Christians have suffered for their faith at some level. Suffering could be anything from being discriminated against to death. Most, in a moment of weakness, have tried to fit in to avoid being singled out. In light of how long eternity is compared to this life, it doesn’t make sense to try to fit in now by denying the grace God has given us. How can you stand for Jesus today without regard for how it could be used against you?