1 Peter 2:4-12 - A Living Stone, A Chosen People
4 You came to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen and precious with God. 5 You also as living stones are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 The scriptures say: I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, chosen and precious (Isaiah 28:16). He who believes in him will not be disappointed (shamed).
7 This precious value is for those who believe. But for the unbeliever: The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone.
8 It is a stone that people stumble over, and a large rock that people find offensive. They stumble because they are disobedient to the word. To this end they were appointed.
9 You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's own possession, that you may show the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 In time past you were no people, but now you are the people of God. You had not then received, but now have received mercy (compassion) (divine kindness).
11 Beloved, I request that you as aliens and strangers abstain from fleshly lust (desires), which causes conflict in you. 12 Maintain fine behavior among the nations. That way when they speak badly about you, they may see your good works and glorify God in the day of visitation (inspection).