1 Peter 2:19-20 (KJV) “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”

---

There’s something powerful—almost paradoxical—about doing what’s right and being criticized for it. It feels unfair. It feels isolating. And yet, according to Scripture, it is “thankworthy.” Not because the pain is pleasant, but because God sees it, honors it, and even uses it.

In today’s world, standing on the Word of God can make you unpopular. But here’s the twist—not just with the world. Sometimes the sharpest criticism does not come from unbelievers, but from fellow believers. Especially when what you are standing for is not wrapped in the traditional package or is not dressed in the right “conservative sounding” language.

You are not rebelling—you are just refusing to worship at the altar of tradition or cultural Christianity. Instead, you are anchoring your beliefs, your convictions, and your actions – in what the Bible actually says.

The Real Test: Conscience Toward God

Peter says it’s thankworthy when someone suffers “for conscience toward God.” That means we are not talking about pushing your own agenda or stirring up controversy for controversy’s sake. We are talking about taking a stand, in humility and sincerity, simply because you are convicted by the truth of the Word of God.

Sometimes that stand will cut across long-held church traditions. Sometimes it will fly in the face of what has always been said, taught, or practiced. But if it’s rooted in Scripture—carefully studied, prayerfully considered—then your conscience before God must take priority.

Criticism from Within

Let’s be honest—there is a kind of theology that “sounds biblical” at first blush – simply because it’s loud, old, or “conservative sounding.” But “old” isn’t always right. “Loud” isn’t always truth. And “conservative sounding” doesn’t always mean Christlike. That’s why we must be careful to distinguish between the truth of God’s Word and the traditions of men.

Jesus Himself rebuked the Pharisees for “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7). And He suffered for it. Not because He was breaking Scripture, but because He was fulfilling it. He did right—and He was condemned by the religious community for it.

If Jesus suffered for doing what was right, and if Peter tells us that doing right and suffering for it is acceptable with God, then we should expect some backlash when we live this out.

Buffeted for Doing Well

1 Peter 2:20 puts it plainly: “But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”

It’s easy to feel justified when we suffer for doing wrong. That’s just consequences. But when you’re holding firm to a biblical position—maybe one that’s more gracious, more gospel-centered, or just not in line with traditional expectations—and you take heat for it, that’s when this verse kicks in.

This next point is very important. It’s not just about being right. It’s about being Christlike while being right. And that takes patience. It takes humility. It takes a heart anchored in the approval of God, not the applause of people.

Keep Standing

If you’re in that place today—if you’re getting side-eyes or outright opposition for believing what the Bible actually and really teaches, not just what culture or tradition says it teaches—know this: you are not alone. And you are not wrong for asking hard questions, for testing every teaching by the Word of God, and for standing even when it is uncomfortable.

You may lose favor with some people. But you gain favor with God. And His approval is the only one that lasts and the only one that is important to have.

Keep standing. Keep studying. Keep doing well. And take it patiently. It is acceptable with God.

---

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
– John 17:17 (KJV)