You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,

They were shown that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things now announced to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven -- things angels long to catch a glimpse of.

Like obedient children, do not comply with the evil urges you used to follow in your ignorance,

You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed -- not by perishable things like silver or gold,

You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

So you who believe see his value, but for those who do not believe, the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,

You once were not a people, but now you are God's people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God's slaves.

Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse.

When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.

Let your beauty not be external -- the braiding of hair and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes --

Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.

But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.

And this prefigured baptism, which now saves you -- not the washing off of physical dirt but the pledge of a good conscience to God -- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

in that he spends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the will of God and not human desires.

So they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you.

Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you.

But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name.

Give a shepherd's care to God's flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God's direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly.

And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock.