1 Peter 2:19-25

Contemporary English Version

¹⁹God will bless you, even if others treat you unfairly for being loyal to him. ²⁰You don't gain anything by being punished for some wrong you have done. But God will bless you, if you have to suffer for doing something good. ²¹After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you.

²²^(A) Christ did not sin
    or ever tell a lie.
²³^(B) Although he was abused,
    he never tried to get even.
And when he suffered,
    he made no threats.
Instead, he had faith in God,
    who judges fairly.
²⁴^(C) Christ carried the burden
    of our sins.
He was nailed to the cross,
so we would stop sinning
    and start living right.
By his cuts and bruises
    you are healed.
²⁵You had wandered away
    like sheep.
Now you have returned
    to the one
who is your shepherd
    and protector.