James continues with a reminder not to speak cruelly about others. None of us has the right to condemn anyone. Don't brag because then you are not living your life for God, you are living for yourself. Wealthy people should mourn because their riches are as good as garbage. Hoarding money and refusing to pay workers are seen by the Lord. Be patient until the Lord returns. Don't swear by heaven or earth or anything else. Let your "No" mean no, and your "Yes" mean yes. If you are having trouble, pray. If things are good, praise God. Pray for the sick. If anyone has strayed from the truth, you should try to lead them back.
1Peter
This letter was written to the believers scattered throughout the northern part of Asia Minor (Turkey). We have new hope because God raised Jesus Christ from death. You've never seen Jesus, but you still love Him and have faith in Him. Your faith is worth much more than gold. Remain obedient to God, living as He wants you to. God doesn't have favorites; He judges all people by what they do. You know that you were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, not by gold. Sincerely love each other with all your heart and keep loving each other.
Be kind and sincere, leave behind jealousy and insulting language. The Lord is the living stone the builders rejected. Let yourselves be used to build the spiritual temple. Don't surrender to the desires of your body. Do the right thing. Obey all human authorities because God wants you to. As servants of God, you must do His will. Respect people, show special love to believers and honor God. If you are punished for doing something bad, there is no gain in it. If you suffer for doing good things, God will bless you.
Wives, if you are married to a non-believer, live a good life, so your husband will see your good life and be inspired by you. Be beautiful on the inside, not the outside. Be like Sarah who did what Abraham asked her to do. Husbands be thoughtful and honor your wives. All believers should have concern and love for each other. If someone is mean to you, don't repay them by being mean back. Instead, treat everyone with kindness and God will bless you.
"Whoever wants to enjoy life
and wishes to see good times,
must keep from speaking evil
and stop telling lies.
He must turn away from evil and do good;
he must strive for peace with all his heart.
For the Lord watches over the righteous
and listens to their prayers;
but he opposes those who do evil." Psalm 34:12-16
Tomorrow read 1Peter 3:13-end & 2Peter 1-2
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