1 Peter 3:8-16

The Voice

⁸Finally, all of you, be like-minded and show sympathy, love, compassion, and humility to and for each other— ⁹not paying back evil with evil or insult with insult, but repaying the bad with a blessing. It was this you were called to do, so that you might inherit a blessing. ¹⁰It is written in the psalms,

If you love life
    and want to live a good, long time,
Then be careful what you say.
    Don’t tell lies or spread gossip or talk about improper things.
¹¹Walk away from the evil things in the world—just leave them behind, and do what is right,
    and always seek peace and pursue it.
¹²For the Lord watches over the righteous,
    and His ears are attuned to their prayers.
But His face is set against His enemies;
    He will punish evildoers.^[a]

¹³Why would anyone harm you if you eagerly do good? ¹⁴Even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you will receive a blessing. Don’t let them frighten you. Don’t be intimidated, ^15-16but exalt Him as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed and say bad things about you will be put to shame.

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