Listen to the Lord’s word, all who tremble at his word. Your relatives, who hate you and exclude you for my name’s sake, say, “Let the Lord show his glory; then we will see your joy.” But they will be put to shame.
One of the experts in Moses’ Teachings went to Jesus during the argument with the Sadducees. He saw how well Jesus answered them, so he asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of them all?”
When Jesus heard how wisely the man answered, he told the man, “You’re not too far from God’s kingdom.” After that, no one dared to ask him another question.
It may be that some people will not listen to what we say in this letter. Take note of them and don’t associate with them so that they will feel ashamed.
Live decent lives among unbelievers. Then, although they ridicule you as if you were doing wrong while they are watching you do good things, they will praise God on the day he comes to help you.