1 Peter 2:7-12

7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” Psalm 118:22

8and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” Isaiah 8:14 They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society 11Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.

12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.