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.

¹¹Turn away from evil, and do good.

Look for peace, and go after it.

¹²The 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.”

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.”

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.

Read in Logos

1 Peter 3:15: but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…