For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

This exhortation to follow Christ’s example of suffering comes in the context of Peter’s call for submission to authorities: towards the human institutions placed over us and servants towards their unjust masters (the suffering this verse is referring to). For Peter, the key to submission in these situations is the recognition of God as being the higher authority above all our earthly authorities, and the one who authorizes our pain and suffering. Granted, society’s laws have largely eliminated the servant-master relationship so the injustices found within will mostly be foriegn to us, but I would suggest that any relationship that strives to be close will inevitably carry an experience of injustice that we are called to be faithful in.

Drawing again from my marriage (I guess I think about it a lot), I have consistently found this to be true in the path towards growing in love for my wife. Recently, in the middle of a fight (that was mostly my fault and hurt her a lot), she asked me to get on my knees and apologize. Upon hearing this, my flesh reflexively lashed out to say how absurd this request was. Yes, I knew I was in the wrong, but she was simply not worthy or deserving enough to do such a thing. And perhaps this the point where Peter becomes helpful. When we look at people only (even our most loved ones), they will never in themselves be deserving of the things they require of us, so we are to look to God instead. After I was able to gather my thoughts, I came to a moment where I felt like God was asking me to kneel in my apology. And when the request came from him, I no longer found it ridiculous but something I actually wanted to do - he is worthy of all my obedience and can ask me to do anything... and there is nothing I wouldn’t do.

In the same section Peter says: For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. When hurt or inconvenienced by the people in our lives, do we only see how unworthy they are or by being mindful of God, see how worthy he is?