1Because this is the case, get rid of all hatred of others, of all desires to see them hurt or wronged. Be rid of all deceit and hypocrisy or jealousy. And never speak evil of others in any way.2-3Because you have received your second birth, you are to be as new born babies who long for pure spiritual milk that will nourish you and enable you to grow in the process of salvation, which began in you when you first tasted the Lord's goodness.Christ, the Living Stone4You have turned to Him, the Living Stone that was rejected by men but chosen by God and is precious to Him.5So now you are to be living stones yourselves that God can build into a spiritual dwelling place for Himself. You have become a holy priesthood because of all you offer to God through your faith in Jesus Christ, spiritual sacrifices that please Him. For it is written in scripture:6"Look and see, I lay in Zion a chosen and precious Cornerstone. Anyone who trusts in Him will never be ashamed."7-8This Stone is so precious to you, but not to those who do not believe in Jesus. This Stone that the builders rejected became the Keystone; so to those who do not believe, "He is a Stone that causes men to stumble and a Rock that makes them fall." It is because they disobey the message given them that they stumble, and so are destined for the condemnation that is inevitable for those who reject their means of salvation.A chosen people9By contrast, see what you have become, people chosen by God Himself. You are a royal priesthood because you offer your lives in sacrifice as those who live in the King. You are a holy nation, not a nation with geographical boundaries but a people set apart for God, a people who truly belong to Him.Why has God done all this for you? So that you can declare with your mouths and by the way you live, the praises of this wonderful God who called you out of darkness and has brought you into His wonderful light.10There was a time when you did not belong to these people who form God's Kingdom on earth; but now each of you is one of God's people. Before you did not experience His mercy; but now you are who you are because of that mercy.11So I implore you, my dear friends, because you are strangers and do not belong to this world, refuse to yield to any sinful desires that will only fight against the well-being of your souls.12Give such an example to the ungodly among whom you live, that they will see God's goodness in your lives, even when they bring all manner of false accusations against you. For your example will help them to embrace the glory of God that is to be revealed when Christ returns.Set a good example13-14Set a good example by having a submissive attitude to all those in authority over you. You are to do this for the Lord's sake, whether you have to submit to the king or the president as the supreme authority, or to those who govern you. For God creates order so that those who do wrong are punished and those who do right are commended.15God's purpose is that you silence those who speak as fools in ignorance of the truth; that you silence them by the example of goodness that you set.16This is true freedom, to live obediently in ways that please the Lord. But do not use the freedom He has given you as a front for evil. Live as true servants of God, who show proper respect to everyone.17Of course, you are to love all your fellow believers. But you also are to live in fear of God, in reverent awe of Him and submission to His will. And you are to honour the secular authorities.18In the workplace, then, have a good, humble and submissive attitude towards those to whom you are accountable. Treat your bosses with respect, not only those who are considerate and treat you well, but even those who are hard task masters.19You will be commended for maintaining a positive witness in the face of those who deal unjustly with you, because you want to glorify God who is present with you in every situation.20There is no credit in being punished for doing what is wrong. But if you suffer unjustly and even endure that for a time, God will commend you for this.21In fact, this is the life to which you have been called, that reflects the way Christ suffered for you. He has set you an example that you are to follow, for you are to walk in His steps!22"He never sinned. Neither did He ever deceive by what He said."23So when Christ was insulted, instead of retaliating He remained silent. When He suffered He issued no threats; instead He placed Himself in God's hands, knowing that He always deals justly with everyone.24This is He who took all our sins upon Himself when He hung on the cross, so that now we might die to a life of sin and live in ways that are right and pleasing to God. It is through His wounds that we are healed and set free completely.25You used to wander around like lost sheep, but now you have turned to the One who is your Shepherd, who oversees your souls because of His concern for your welfare.
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)