2 So get rid of hatefulness and deception, of insincerity and jealousy and slander. ² Be like newborn babies, crying out for spiritual milk that will help you grow into salvation ³ if you have tasted and found the Lord to be good.

¹⁵ You see, it is God’s will that by doing what is right and good you should hush the gabbing ignorance of the foolish. ¹⁶ Live as those who are free and not as those who use their freedom as a pretext for evil, but live as God’s servants. ¹⁷ Respect everyone. Love the community of believers. Reverence God. Honor your ruler.

²⁰ For what credit is there in enduring punishment you deserve? But if you do what is right and yet are punished and endure it patiently, God will be pleased with you. ^21-22 For you were called to this kind of life, as Isaiah said,

The Anointed One suffered for us and left us His example so that we could follow in His steps.

²⁵ For there was a time when you were like sheep that wandered from the fold, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your lives.