Like obedient children, do not comply with the evil urges you used to follow in your ignorance,

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker.

Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly.

Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves.

But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.

So they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you.

Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you.

But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name.

You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,

For it says in scripture, “Look, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and priceless cornerstone, and whoever believes in him will never be put to shame.”

like Sarah who obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You become her children when you do what is good and have no fear in doing so.

Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.

For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit.

Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as the weaker partners and show them honor as fellow heirs of the grace of life. In this way nothing will hinder your prayers.