Suffering for Doing Good

8Finally, I want all of you to live together in peace. Be understanding. Love one another like members of the same family. Be kind and tender. Don’t be proud. 9Don’t pay back evil with evil. Don’t pay back unkind words with unkind words. Instead, pay them back with kind words. That’s what you have been chosen to do. You can receive a blessing by doing it.

10Scripture says,

“Do you want to love life

and see good days?

Then keep your tongues from speaking evil.

Keep your lips from telling lies.

11 Turn away from evil, and do good.

Look for peace, and go after it.

12 The Lord’s eyes look with favor on those who are godly.

His ears are open to their prayers.

But the Lord doesn’t look with favor on those who do evil.” (Psalm 34:12–16)

13Who is going to hurt you if you really want to do good? 14But suppose you suffer for doing what is right. Then you will be blessed. Scripture also says, “Don’t fear what others fear. Don’t be afraid.” (Isaiah 8:12)

15But make sure in your hearts that Christ is Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect.

16Live so that you don’t have to feel you’ve done anything wrong. Some people may say evil things about your good conduct as believers in Christ. If they do, they will be put to shame for speaking like that about you.