1 Peter 2:16-21

English Standard Version

^16 (A)Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but ^(B)living as servants^[a] of God. ^17 (C)Honor everyone. ^(D)Love the brotherhood. ^(E)Fear God. Honor the emperor.

^18 (F)Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. ¹⁹ For this is a gracious thing, when, ^(G)mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But ^(H)if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹ For ^(I)to this you have been called, ^(J)because Christ also suffered for you, ^(K)leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.