¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you. Keep on blessing them, and never curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who are rejoicing. Cry with those who are crying. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.

¹⁷ Do not pay anyone back evil for evil, but^[a] focus your thoughts on what is right in the sight of all people. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God’s^[b] wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me. I will pay them back, declares the Lord.”^{[c] 20} But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him. For if he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will pile burning coals on his head.”^{[d] 21} Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.