Study Desk

At one time you were not a people, but now you are God's people. In the past you had never received mercy, but now you have received God's mercy.

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God.

Slaves, yield to the authority of your masters with all respect, not only those who are good and kind, but also those who are dishonest.

A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and can stand the pain, God is pleased.

If you are beaten for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for being patient in your punishment. But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased.

People insulted Christ, but he did not insult them in return. Christ suffered, but he did not threaten. He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of him.

You were like sheep that wandered away, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way, since they are weaker than you. But show them respect, because God gives them the same blessing he gives you—the grace that gives true life. Do this so that nothing will stop your prayers.

Do not do wrong to repay a wrong, and do not insult to repay an insult. But repay with a blessing, because you yourselves were called to do this so that you might receive a blessing.

The Lord sees the good people and listens to their prayers. But the Lord is against those who do evil." Psalm 34:12–16

But even if you suffer for doing right, you are blessed. "Don't be afraid of what they fear; do not dread those things." Isaiah 8:12–13

But respect Christ as the holy Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have,

but answer in a gentle way and with respect. Keep a clear conscience so that those who speak evil of your good life in Christ will be made ashamed.

Christ himself suffered for sins once. He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty to bring you to God. His body was killed, but he was made alive in the spirit.

And that water is like baptism that now saves you—not the washing of dirt from the body, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. And this is because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead.

But they will have to explain this to God, who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

But be happy that you are sharing in Christ's sufferings so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory.

But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. Praise God because you wear that name.

Do not be like a ruler over people you are responsible for, but be good examples to them.

In the same way, younger people should be willing to be under older people. And all of you should be very humble with each other. "God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 3:34