People who don’t believe might accuse you of doing wrong. But lead such good lives among them that they’ll see your good deeds and give glory to God on the day Jesus returns.
But these people say insulting things even when they don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re like wild animals that can’t think and just live by instinct, that are born only to be caught and destroyed. These people will die like animals too.
But these people say insulting things about whatever they don’t understand. And the only things they do understand will destroy them. They’re like wild animals who can’t think for themselves and live only by instinct.
I used to say insulting things about Jesus. I tried to hurt his followers, and I even used violence against them. But God had mercy on me because I did those things without knowing any better. I wasn’t a believer.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and controlled by all kinds of wrong desires and pleasures. We were hostile and envious. Other people hated us, and we hated them.
Keep your conscience clear, so that even if people say bad things about you as believers in Christ, they’ll be ashamed when the way you live proves them wrong.