If Christians seek continually to do good, they may deflect hostility (3: 13) but they may also attract it, and if they are made to suffer for doing what they know is right, they should be happy, not sad (3: 14). This reflects Matthew 5:I0-'Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!' Christians are not to be afraid and not to worry but are to keep reverence for Christ in their hearts and honour him as Lord (3: 15). They should always be ready to explain the living hope that they have in Jesus Christ, doing this with gentleness and respect (3: 15-16). The Christian who has a clear conscience will not be overcome by evil insults. In the end his attackers will be put to shame by the Christian's blameless conduct. 'For it is better to suffer for doing good, if this should be God's will, than for doing evil'.