Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory. “Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.Next verse!With image