You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy. “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God. Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them. The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Pride brings a person low,
but the lowly in spirit gain honor. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord. Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory.