1 Corinthians 16:10-11

"When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers."

Timothy was to be put at ease by the Corinthians. The NASB translates the phrase "without cause to be afraid." I doubt that this was a fear for his life or safety. This is more like the apprehension you feel when visiting someone for the first time when you really want them to like you. Timothy, no doubt, wanted to start relationships that would be used to minister to the Corinthian believers. So Paul tells the Corinthians to recognize Timothy's desire to serve the Lord and to accept him and help him in that. Timothy was to be honored, not held in contempt.

As one often on the receiving end of this type of situation, I certainly find it easier to serve the Lord when people warmly welcome us. The cold barriers that people put up to protect themselves more often damage than protect.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

"When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Death marches relentlessly forward upon the human race. We can evade it temporarily, but at the time appointed, this life will end for all of us. And for those without confidence about what lies ahead, death has a terrible sting. It strikes wide, deep, and long. Death conquers and conquers and conquers still. But it's victory is not universal.

Those who know Christ as their savior will experience no sting in death. For them "death is swallowed up in victory." They have nothing to fear: sin (the sting of death) has been paid for by Christ's death and the law (the deadly force of sin) has been satisfied by Christ's obedience in life. While it is true that some who are trusting in Christ still fear the unknowns of death, Christians can at least be certain that since Jesus was not defeated in death, we will not be either. Don't fear what you don't know. Rejoice in what is certain.

1 Peter 3:13-17

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.”

Generally, if you are passionately doing right, people will not fault you for it. Who would fault you for selflessness or humility? Who would be angry if you loved God? We would hope that no one would respond that way. And most fair minded people will not. In fact, they will respect you for it.

But it is also very likely that you will suffer for righteousness. It would be a blessing not to suffer, but it is also a blessing to suffer when you are suffering for doing right. When we face someone who means to harm us, we should face them without fear. I do not think that this means we need to be stoic. We should be willing to face our tormentors, not fearing them, knowing that our first duty is to honor Christ.

If we face trouble and are not troubled by it, people will notice. Perhaps someone will ask how we are able to make it through our trouble as we do. We should be ready to point them to Christ. We point them to Christ because that is where we are already looking and because He is why we are able to make it. But even in our response to such a question we must maintain the proper spirit so as not to cancel out our words with our actions. It would be a sad thing if you were doing right, were suffering for it, and were asked why you were enduring only to respond poorly. But how complete and sure your testimony would be if even in your response, you showed gentleness. Surely your conscience would be clear, and your attackers would be on exceedingly shaky ground.