Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

You know that you were redeemed from the futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a covering for evil; live as servants of God.

Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with honor as the weaker partner, since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble in spirit.

For, "He who would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God.

For this reason the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they might live in the spirit according to the will of God.

Above all, hold unfailing your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.