Study Desk

^(F1)To sum up, ^(C1)all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, ^(F2)(C2)loving, ^(C3)compassionate, and ^(C4)humble;

^(C1)not returning evil for evil or ^(C2)insult for insult, but giving a ^(C3)blessing instead; for ^(C4)you were called for the very purpose that you would ^(C5)inherit a blessing.

For, "^(C1)THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.

-"^(C1)HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.

-"^(C1)FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST EVILDOERS."

^(C1)And who is ^(F1)there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

But even if you should ^(C1)suffer for the sake of righteousness, ^(C2)you ^(F1)are blessed. ^(C3)AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR ^(F2)INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE IN DREAD,

but ^(F1)sanctify ^(C1)Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready ^(C2)to make a ^(F2)defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the ^(C1)hope that is in you, but ^(C3)with gentleness and ^(C4)respect;

^(F1)and keep a ^(C1)good conscience so that in the thing in which ^(C2)you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

For ^(C1)it is better, ^(C2)if ^(F1)God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.