But if a person is punished for doing wrong and they take it patiently, they don’t deserve any special praise. But if you do suffer for doing good and you put up with it, God will praise you for that.
You’re also like living stones. As you come to Christ, you’re being built into a house for worship. There you will be holy priests and offer spiritual sacrifices that God will accept because of what Jesus Christ has done.
Now I want to talk about some other matters, brothers and sisters. We taught you how to live in a way that pleases God, and that’s how you’re living. But in the name of the Lord Jesus, we ask you and urge you to do that more and more.
Then you’ll be able to lead a life that is worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. You’ll bear fruit in every good thing you do, you’ll get to know God better,
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these relatives should first learn to put their faith into practice and care for their own family. That way they will repay their parents and grandparents, which is something that pleases God.
I’ve already received my full pay, and I have more than enough. I have everything I need, now that Epaphroditus has brought me the gifts you sent. They’re a sweet-smelling offering, a sacrifice that God accepts and that makes him happy.
God has saved us and called us to live a holy life. This isn’t because of anything we’ve done, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus even before time began.
