In Malachi, what starts as a complaint about the slowness of God's justice turns into a glorious picture of John the Baptist preparing the way as Christ returns to the temple. The people only want God's justice because they think themselves to be innocent. We know that we are spared God's judgement not because we are innocent but because Christ has taken the blow for us. When Peter reminds us that judgement begins in the household of God, he also encourages to remember that the gospel is the difference between those who are saved through suffering and those who are finally consumed by it. "If it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." (1 Peter 4:17-19). Christian, your faith in Christ means that all that suffering can do to you is make you purer and cleaner.