6 In this you ^mrejoice, though now ⁿfor a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the ^otested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the ^prevelation of Jesus Christ.

18 ^wServants, ^xbe subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.¹ 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while ^ysuffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, ^zwhen you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

9 ^zDo not repay evil for evil or ^areviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that ^byou may obtain a blessing.

13 Now ^fwho is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be ^gblessed. ^hHave no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, ⁱalways being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, ^jso that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than ^kfor doing evil.

Stewards of God’s Grace

1 Since therefore ^sChrist suffered in the flesh,^{1 t}arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for ^uwhoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human ^vpassions but for the will of God. 3 For the ^wtime that is past suffices for doing what the ^xGentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;

Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to ^ltest you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But ^mrejoice insofar as you ⁿshare Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are ^oinsulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the ^pSpirit of glory¹ and of God rests upon you. 15 ^qBut let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone ^rsuffers as a ^sChristian, let him not be ^tashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment ^uto begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for ^vthose who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will ^xentrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

9 ^mResist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your ⁿbrotherhood throughout the world.