1 Peter 4:1–11

Living for God

4Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^w arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^{x 2}As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^y but rather for the will of God. ³For you have spent enough time in the past^z doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^{a 4}They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^{b 5}But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.^{c 6}For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,^d so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

⁷The end of all things is near.^e Therefore be alert and of sober mind^f so that you may pray. ⁸Above all, love each other deeply,^g because love covers over a multitude of sins.^{h 9}Offer hospitalityⁱ to one another without grumbling.^{j 10}Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^k as faithful^l stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.^m If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,ⁿ so that in all things God may be praised^o through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.^p