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Keep Fervent in Your Love

¹ Therefore, since ^(C1)Christ has ^(F1)suffered in the flesh, ^(C2)arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because ^(C3)the one who has ^(F1)suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,^2 (C1)so as to live ^(C2)the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the ^(C3)will of God.³ For ^(C1)the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, ^(F1)(C2)having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.⁴ In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of ^(F1)(C1)debauchery, and they ^(C2)slander you;⁵ but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge ^(C1)the living and the dead.⁶ For ^(C1)the gospel has for this purpose been ^(F1)preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

^7 (C1)The end of all things ^(F1)is near; therefore, ^(C2)be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of ^(F2)prayer.⁸ Above all, ^(C1)keep fervent in your love for one another, because ^(C2)love covers a multitude of sins.^9 (C1)Be hospitable to one another without ^(C2)complaint.^10 (C1)As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good ^(C2)stewards of the ^(F1)multifaceted grace of God.^11 (C1)Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking ^(C2)actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving ^(F1)(C3)by the strength which God supplies; so that ^(C4)in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, ^(C5)to whom belongs the glory and ^(F2)dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Share the Sufferings of Christ

^12 (C1)Beloved, do not be surprised at the ^(C2)fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you;¹³ but to the degree that you ^(C1)share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the ^(C2)revelation of His glory ^(C3)you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.¹⁴ If you are insulted ^(F1)(C1)for the name of Christ, ^(C2)you are blessed, ^(C3)because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you.¹⁵ Make sure that ^(C1)none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a ^(F1)(C2)troublesome meddler;¹⁶ but if anyone suffers as a ^(C1)Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to ^(C2)glorify God in this name.¹⁷ For it is time for judgment ^(C1)to begin ^(F1)with ^(C2)the household of God; and if it ^(C3)begins ^(F1)with us first, what will be the outcome for those ^(C4)who do not obey the ^(C5)gospel of God?^18 (C1)AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, ^(F1)WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE ^(C2)GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?¹⁹ Therefore, those also who suffer according to ^(C1)the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.