Continue in Faith in Living and Doing What's Right

We can't allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way. Certainly, each of us will receive [everlasting life] at the proper time, if we don't give up. (Galatians 6:9) Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3) And as for [the rest of] you, believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good [but continue doing what is right without weakening]. (2 Thessalonians 3:13) But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.

And see to it that your conscience is entirely clear, so that every time you are slandered or falsely accused, those who attack or disparage your good behavior in Christ will be shamed [by their own words]. (1 Peter 2:15-16) Continue to live such upright lives, among unbelievers. Then, although they ridicule you as if you were doing wrong while they are watching you do good things, by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy]. (1 Peter 2:12)

And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified,

sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having no evil thing to say of us. (Titus 2:7-8) But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18) And the effect of righteousness will be peace, And the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. (Isaiah 32:17) And to make it your ambition to live quietly and peacefully, and to mind your own affairs and work with your hands, just as we directed you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders [exhibiting good character, personal integrity, and moral courage worthy of the respect of the outside world], and be dependent on no one and in need of nothing [be self-supporting]. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. (James 3:13)

Be wise in the way you act toward those who are outside [the Christian faith]. Make the most of your opportunities. Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]. (Colossians 4:5-6) You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)