³ We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,^(A) so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.^(B)

¹⁶ “‘Do not go about spreading slander^(A) among your people.

“‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life.^(B) I am the Lord.

Love in Action

⁹ Love must be sincere.^(A) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.^(B)

³¹ Get rid of^(A) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.^(B)

²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known^(A) among the Gentiles the glorious riches^(B) of this mystery, which is Christ in you,^(C) the hope of glory.

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(A) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^{(B) 2} to slander no one,^(C) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery^(A) from which true godliness^(B) springs is great: