We can be gentle and kind with everyone, always offering good works, even submissive to and well-speaking of rulers and authorities, because we were once the foolish ones. We were once the ones who weren’t obedient and who followed after our lusts. We were the ones hating instead of loving.

By God’s grace we were made new and we know God can do it for others too. If God’s grace hadn’t gotten hold of us, we’d still be in their shoes. We show compassion and treat others how we want to be treated.

We were rescued because God appeared! His goodness and mercy came to us. It came, not because of our righteousness. He came in love just because of His mercy.

He washed us by His blood and made us new creations, giving us life by His Holy Spirit, who was given to us freely.

We are made heirs; we join Jesus as children of the Most High God. It’s all because we are made right with God, because Jesus took our sin on Himself and suffered the punishment for it so that God could justly forgive us.

If Jesus did all that for you, you should devote yourself to loving others, to good works. Part of doing good works is meeting the needs of others, the needs of Christian workers so they can do their work, and the urgent needs within the church family. It’s fruit in your life to care for others like that. Fruit isn’t just bringing people to faith. You are fruitful when you provide for other believers in their need.

And on the other side, don’t get mixed up with people who want to bring up all sorts of trivial details that are not important, trying to be right, making arguments. Don’t be part of division. Always seek peace.