lots of stuff

I don't know how many of you have read 1 Peter, let alone chapter 3.

If you're anything like me during my first 52 years, the reading of any of the Bible could most generously described as higgledy-piggledy.

There's a lot of stuff in chapter 3 - here are 10 verses that have interesting stuff to say about a number of things...

1 Peter 3

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind.

Sympathize with each other.

Love each other as brothers and sisters.

Be tenderhearted,

and keep a humble attitude.

9 Don't repay evil for evil.

Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you.

Instead, pay them back with a blessing.

That is what God has called you to do,

and he will bless you for it.

10 For the Scriptures say,

"If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
  and your lips from telling lies.11 Turn away from evil and do good.
  Search for peace, and work to maintain it.12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
  and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
  against those who do evil."

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?

14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it.

So don't worry or be afraid of their threats.

15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.

And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

Keep your conscience clear.

Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

  18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time.

He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.

He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.