7. The time is near when all things will end. So keep your minds clear, and control yourselves. This will help you in your prayers.
8. Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins.
9. Open your homes to each other and share your food without complaining.
10. God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other.
11. If your gift is speaking, your words should be like words from God. If your gift is serving, you should serve with the strength that God gives. Then it is God who will be praised in everything through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen.
12. My friends, don’t be surprised at the painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don’t think that something strange is happening to you.
13. But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory.
14. When people say bad things to you because you follow Christ, consider it a blessing. When that happens, it shows that God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, is with you.
15. You may suffer, but don’t let it be because you murder, steal, make trouble, or try to control other people’s lives.