1 Peter 2:18-25

New Century Version

Follow Christ’s Example

¹⁸ Slaves, yield to the authority of your masters with all respect, not only those who are good and kind, but also those who are dishonest. ¹⁹ A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and can stand the pain, God is pleased. ²⁰ If you are beaten for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for being patient in your punishment. But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased. ²¹ This is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as he did.

²³ People insulted Christ, but he did not insult them in return. Christ suffered, but he did not threaten. He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of him. ²⁴ Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so we would stop living for sin and start living for what is right. And you are healed because of his wounds. ²⁵ You were like sheep that wandered away, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.