Your love must be real. Hate what is evil. Do only what is good.

Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself.

As you serve the Lord, work hard and don't be lazy. Be excited about serving him!

Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.

Share with God's people who need help. Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes.

Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them.

When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too.

Live together in peace with each other. Don't be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don't think of yourself as smarter that everyone else.

If someone does you wrong, don't try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do whatever everyone thinks is right.

Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone.

My friends, don't try to punish anyone who does wrone to you. Wait for God to punish them with His anger. In the Scriptures the LORD says, "i am the One who punishes; I will pay people back."

But you should do this: "If you have enemies who are hungry, give them something to eat. If you have enemies who are thirsty, give them a drink. In doing this you will make them feel ashamed."

Don't let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.