1 Peter 4

1So, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking. For whoever has suffered in the body is finished with sin.

2As a result, that believer stops chasing human desires and lives to do what God wants.

3You have already spent enough time in the past doing what people who do not know God like to do. You lived in wild living, evil desires, drunkenness, wild parties, and disgusting worship of idols.

4They think it is strange that you no longer join them in their wild, out-of-control living, so they say evil things about you.

5But they will have to explain themselves to God, who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6This is why the good news was preached even to those who are now dead: so that, although they were judged in the body as all people are, they might live in the spirit as God lives.

7The end of all things is near. So keep clear minds and be alert, so that you can pray.

8Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love covers over many sins.

9Welcome one another into your homes without complaining.

10Each of you has received a gift from God. So use it to serve one another, as faithful managers of God's grace, which comes in many forms.

11If anyone speaks, that person should speak as one giving the very words of God. If anyone serves, that person should serve with the strength God gives. Then in everything God will be praised through Jesus Christ. To Christ be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trial you are going through to test your faith, as if something strange were happening to you.

13Instead, be glad that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you will be filled with joy when his glory is shown.

14If people insult you because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit of God rests on you.

15None of you should suffer for being a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or someone who meddles in other people's business.

16But if you suffer for being a Christian, do not be ashamed. Instead, praise God that you bear that name.

17For the time has come for judgment to begin with God's own family. And if it begins with us, what will happen to those who do not obey the good news of God?

18And: If it is hard even for those who are right with God to be saved, what will happen to the sinful and the godless?

19So those who suffer because it is God's will should keep on doing good and trust their souls to their faithful Creator.