7. So, that stone brings honor for you who believe. But for those who don’t believe he is “the stone that the builders refused to accept, which became the most important stone.” Psalm 118:22
8. For them he is also “a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes people fall.” Isaiah 8:14 People stumble because they don’t obey what God says. This is what God planned to happen to those people.
9. But you are his chosen people, the King’s priests. You are a holy nation, people who belong to God. He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He brought you out of the darkness of sin into his wonderful light.
10. In the past you were not a special people, but now you are God’s people. Once you had not received mercy, but now God has given you his mercy.
11. Dear friends, you are like visitors and strangers in this world. So I beg you to keep your lives free from the evil things you want to do, those desires that fight against your true selves.
12. People who don’t believe are living all around you. They may say that you are doing wrong. So live such good lives that they will see the good you do, and they will give glory to God on the day he comes.
13. Be willing to serve the people who have authority in this world. Do this for the Lord. Obey the king, the highest authority.
14. And obey the leaders who are sent by the king. They are sent to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do good.
15. When you do good, you stop ignorant people from saying foolish things about you. This is what God wants.
16. Live like free people, but don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as those who are serving God.
17. Show respect for all people. Love your brothers and sisters in God’s family. Respect God, and honor the king.