We show that we are God’s servants by our pure lives, by our understanding, by our patience, and by our kindness. We show it by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love,  by speaking the truth, and by depending on God’s power. This right way of living has prepared us to defend ourselves against every kind of attack.  Some people honor us, but others shame us. Some people say good things about us, but others say bad things. Some people say we are liars, but we speak the truth.  To some people we are not known, but we are well known. We seem to be dying, but look! We continue to live. We are punished, but we are not killed.  We have much sadness, but we are always rejoicing. We are poor, but we are making many people rich in faith. We have nothing, but really we have everything. 

My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy.  You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering.  If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.  Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom.