But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. Who has done this and carried it through,
calling forth the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord—with the first of them
and with the last—I am he. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” A person may think their own ways are right,
but the Lord weighs the heart. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mere mortals,
human beings who are but grass. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth. ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory.