In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

Suffering for Doing Good

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.