Service, Suffering, and Judgment

4:7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.21 4:8 Above all keep22 your love for one another fervent,23 because love covers a multitude of sins.24 4:9 Show hospitality25 to one another without complaining. 4:10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another26 as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 4:11 Whoever speaks, let it be with27 God’s words.28 Whoever serves, do so with the strength29 that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong30 the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

4:12 Dear friends, do not be astonished31 that a trial by fire is occurring among you,32 as though something strange were happening to you. 4:13 But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed33 you may also rejoice and be glad.34 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory,35 who is the Spirit of God,36 rests37 on you. 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker.38 4:16 But if you suffer as a Christian,39 do not be ashamed, but glorify40 God that you bear such a name.41 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house42 of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate43 of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? 4:18 And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of44 the ungodly and sinners?45 4:19 So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.46