1 Peter 4:1–19

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

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹²Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^q to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice^r inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^s so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{t 14}If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^u you are blessed,^v for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^{w 17}For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;^x and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?^{y 18}And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^az

¹⁹So then, those who suffer according to God’s will^a should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.