1Pe 2:7-10  "So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 

Don't you desire to be honored, recognized by others? Everyone does. It is very difficult when you are not at home, don't feel you belong, to have that sense of recognition and respect. Even if it is difficult to do what is right, your reputation and the reputation of your family is on the line. Your relationship to the heavenly Father is going to be reflected by your actions. If someone is mean, or hurtful, let them see you loving those around you, this will bring honor and glory to God. 
Rulers and governments are a means of praising good deeds and punishing evil actions, so be submissive  and not rebellious. Your love of others will silence those who want to blame God for all that is wrong in the world. 

1Pe 2:11-15  "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." 

So live free from the things that enslave people and cause them to be locked up as criminals. It's not a freedom to do whatever you like, but a freedom to love others and honor others, as though you were serving God. 
Even difficult, and hard to love people, those who rule over you in a way that seems wrong; remain respectful and submissive. How can you do that? Only by the grace of God. The grace God gives to you in order that you see that suffering unjustly is what God has called us to do, to be followers of Jesus.  

1Pe 2:16-19  "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."  Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust." For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly."

Do you really want credit, to be honored as a member of God's family, part of His household? There is no glory or honor in receiving punishment because you deserved it, you are getting your just dues.
However, if you are mistreated or suffering when your motives are good and your actions are loving, it is only because God has given you the grace to behave like His child. You will be honored because God is honored through your actions. 
This shows your family resemblance to Jesus Christ. He was without sin, never deceitful or hateful. He is Absolute Love. He even though the whole world came against Him, only continued to trust in the Love of the Father and believed in His justice as well as His grace, His hatred for evil as well as His overwhelming, unending Absolute Love. 

1Pe 2:20-23  "For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 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.  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." 




This belief in both vindication for God's grace and mercy and desire to hold up justice; caused Him to bear my sins, my hatred and disdain for God upon His own body and soul. In this act of dying and suffering for me, He caused me to be able to die to myself and my sinfulness. To begin living rightly, cleansing me and healing me, so that I might be alive to God and put my hope and trust in Him. 
We were all running away, going the opposite way that we should, now we are on our way back to God. He is Absolute Love. He is leading and guiding our souls, uniting us to Himself. 


1Pe 2:24, 25  "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.  For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."