New International Reader's Version

1 Peter 4:10-18 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

10. God's gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully.

11. If you speak, you should do it like one speaking God's very words. If you serve, you should do it with the strength God provides. Then in all things God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Give him the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

12. Dear friends, don't be surprised by the painful suffering you are going through. Don't feel as if something strange were happening to you.

13. Be joyful that you are taking part in Christ's sufferings. Then you will be filled with joy when Christ returns in glory.

14. Suppose people make fun of you because you believe in Christ. Then you are blessed, because God's Spirit rests on you. He is the Spirit of glory.

15. Suppose you suffer. Then it shouldn't be because you are a murderer or a thief. It shouldn't be because you do evil things. It shouldn't be because you poke your nose into other people's business.

16. But suppose you suffer for being a Christian. Then don't be ashamed. Instead, praise God because you are known by that name.

17. It is time for people to be judged. It will begin with the family of God. And since it begins with us, what will happen to people who don't obey God's good news?

18. Scripture says, "Suppose it is hard for godly people to be saved. Then what will happen to ungodly people and sinners?" (Proverbs 11:31)