I do not cease to give thanks for you when I remember you in my prayers.

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.

So I want the men to pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute.

Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect.

But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

By professing it, some have strayed from the faith. Grace be with you all.

But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting.

In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children,

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.

“For I will be merciful toward their evil deeds, and their sins I will remember no longer.”

But remember the former days when you endured a harsh conflict of suffering after you were enlightened.

For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,

And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.

For God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.

For this finds God’s favor, if because of conscience toward God someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly.

For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good?

Indeed, as long as I am in this tabernacle, I consider it right to stir you up by way of a reminder,

Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we keep his commandments.

By this we know that we love the children of God: whenever we love God and obey his commandments.