1. Remind the believers to do these things: to be under the authority of rulers and government leaders, to obey them and be ready to do good,
2. to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace with all, to be gentle and polite to all people.
3. In the past we were foolish people, too. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We lived doing evil and being jealous. People hated us and we hated each other.
4. But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown.
5. He saved us because of his mercy, not because of good deeds we did to be right with God. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit.
6. God poured out to us that Holy Spirit fully through Jesus Christ our Savior.