¹⁸ Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

⁶ But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

⁴ Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

¹⁸ When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. ²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.^[a]

⁹ So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.

Respecting People in Authority

¹³ For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state,

⁷ These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

⁶ He will judge everyone according to what they have done.