^18 [a]Servants, be submissive to your masters with all [proper] respect, not only to those who are good and kind, but also to those who are unreasonable. ¹⁹ For this finds favor, if a person endures the sorrow of suffering unjustly because of an ^[b]awareness of [the will of] God. ²⁰ After all, what kind of credit is there if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you endure it patiently? But if when you do what is right and patiently bear [undeserved] suffering, this finds favor with God.

Christ Is Our Example

²¹ For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps. ²² He committed no sin, nor was deceit ever found in His mouth.^{(A) 23} While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance], but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges fairly. ²⁴ He personally carried our sins in His body on the ^[c]cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been ^[d]healed. ²⁵ For you were continually wandering like [so many] sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.^(B)