1 PeterChapter 4
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1Christ suffered in his body. So you also should arm yourselves with the same way of thinking. That is because anyone who has suffered in his body is finished with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his time on earth for human desires. He lives for what God wants. 3You have already spent enough time in the past doing what the Gentiles like to do. You lived in wild living and lust. You got drunk and joined in wild parties and drinking parties. You worshiped hateful idols. 4So now they think it's strange that you don't rush with them into the same flood of reckless living. And they insult you. 5But they will have to answer to God. He is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6That is why the good news was preached even to those who are now dead. It was preached so that they might be judged in the body as people are. But they would live in the spirit as God does. 7The end of all things is near. So think clearly and stay alert, so you can pray. 8Most of all, love each other deeply, because love covers a huge number of sins. 9Welcome each other into your homes without complaining. 10God has given each of you a gift. Use it to serve one another. Take good care of God's grace, which comes in many different forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should speak as someone saying God's words. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God gives. Then God will be praised in everything through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen. 12Dear friends, don't be surprised by the fiery trial that has come to test you. Don't act as if something strange were happening to you. 13Instead, be glad that you share in the sufferings of Christ. Then you will be full of joy when his glory is shown. 14If people insult you because of the name of Christ, you are blessed. The Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, rests on you. 15None of you should suffer for being a murderer or a thief or for doing wrong. You shouldn't even suffer for meddling in other people's business. 16But if you suffer for being a Christian, don't be ashamed. Praise God that you have that name. 17It is time for judgment to begin with God's family. If it begins with us, what will happen to those who don't obey God's good news? 18Scripture says,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?" 19So those who suffer because God wants them to should trust their souls to their faithful Creator. And they should keep doing good.