Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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. Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever. Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. 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. You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. God is not human, that he should lie,
not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill? The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.” Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all. But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 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. My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart. “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.” The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings. 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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. God sets the lonely in families,
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Next verse!With image