## Keep Fervent in Your Love 

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Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose--because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin-- 

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

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For the time already past is sufficient _for you_ to have worked out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 

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In _all_ this, they are surprised that you do not run with _them_ into the same excesses of dissipation, maligning _you_, 

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but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 

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For to this the gospel has been proclaimed even to those who are _now_ dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh as men, they live in the spirit according to _the will of_ God. 

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The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound thinking and sober _spirit_ for the purpose of prayer. 

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Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 

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Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 

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As each one has received a gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God-- 

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whoever speaks, as one _speaking_ the oracles of God; whoever serves, as one _serving_ by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and might forever and ever. Amen. 

## Sharing the Suffering of Christ 

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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. 

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But to the degree you are sharing the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 

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If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 

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Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 

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but if _anyone suffers_ as a Christian, he is not to be put to shame, but is to glorify God in this name. 

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For _it is_ time for judgment to begin with the house of God; and if _it_ _begins_ with us first, what _will be_ the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 

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And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 

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Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good.