Readings for Lent and Easter

¹³ For the Lord’s sake, obey every law of your government: those of the king as head of the state, ¹⁴ and those of the king’s officers, for he has sent them to punish all who do wrong, and to honor those who do right.

¹⁵ It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power. ¹⁶ You are free from the law, but that doesn’t mean you are free to do wrong. Live as those who are free to do only God’s will at all times.

¹⁷ Show respect for everyone. Love Christians everywhere. Fear God and honor the government.

¹⁸ Servants, you must respect your masters and do whatever they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are tough and cruel. ¹⁹ Praise the Lord if you are punished for doing right! ²⁰ Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong; but if you do right and suffer for it, and are patient beneath the blows, God is well pleased.

²¹ This suffering is all part of the work God has given you. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps: ²² He never sinned, never told a lie, ²³ never answered back when insulted; when he suffered he did not threaten to get even; he left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly. ²⁴ He personally carried the load of our sins in his own body when he died on the cross so that we can be finished with sin and live a good life from now on. For his wounds have healed ours! ²⁵ Like sheep you wandered away from God, but now you have returned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls who keeps you safe from all attacks.