For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
1 Peter 4:3//

Partaking in these and other sins is a choice.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15//

Lord, grant me a spirit of humility and gentleness.

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:23//

When people insult me or think I am doing wrong, I need to remember to entrust myself to God.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:6-7//

I must have patience as these things must happen. The Refiner’s fire will purify me.

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James 5:8//

Lord, grant me patience and the ability to stand my ground for You.

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4//

Why am I surprised when the world is against me? I cannot be friends with both the world and God. I choose God.

but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8//

Every time I speak, I risk evil coming out of my mouth. Lord, guard my heart and guide my words.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
James 2:8//

I am really failing at this. Every time I read what people are saying, I just cannot believe my ears. Lord, help me to love others in spite of their stupidity and foolishness.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
James 1:2//

It seems that the current trials of this world should put me in pure joy, but I’m not. Lord, work in me.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 13:1//

When people do stupid things (like rioting), this is really hard for me to do.