Readings for Lent and Easter
Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious, and be kind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse, but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you may receive a blessing. 10 For
“He who would love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil,
and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their prayers;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a]
13 Who is he who will harm you if you follow that which is good? 14 But even if you suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. “Do not be afraid of their terror, do not be troubled.”[b] 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and fear. 16 Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit,
The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.