Good Managers of God’s Grace

1Therefore, since the Messiaha suffered in a mortal body,b you, too, must arm yourselves with the same determination, because the person who has suffered in a mortal body has stopped sinning, 2so that he can live the rest of his mortal lifec guided, not by human desires, but by the will of God. 3For you spent enough time in the past doing what the gentiles like to do, living in sensuality, sinful desires, drunkenness, wild celebrations, drinking parties, and detestable idolatry. 4They insult you now because they are surprised that you are no longer joining them in the same excesses of wild living. 5They will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6Indeed, this is why the gospel was proclaimed even to those who have died, so that they could be judged in their mortal flesh like all humans and live in the spiritual realm like God.

7Because everything will soon come to an end, be sensible and clear-headed, so you can pray. 8Above all, continue to love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9Show hospitality to one another without complaining. 10As good servant managers of God’s grace in its various forms, serve one another with the gift each of you has received. 11Whoever speaks must speak God’s words.d Whoever serves must serve with the strengthe that God supplies, so that in every way God may be glorified through Jesus, the Messiah.f Glory and power belong to him forever and ever! Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

12Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13Instead, because you are participating in the sufferings of the Messiah,g keep on rejoicing, so that you may be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of the Messiah,h you are blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God is resting on you.i

15Of course, none of you should suffer for being a murderer, thief, criminal, or troublemaker. 16But if you suffer for being a Christian, do not feel ashamed, but glorify God with that name. 17For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God?

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

what will happen to the ungodly and sinful person?”j

19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do what is good.