Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters,^[a] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.^{(B) 4} Therefore, among God’s churches we boast^(C) about your perseverance and faith^(D) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.^(E)

⁵ All this is evidence^(F) that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy^(G) of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:^(A) Everything must be fulfilled^(B) that is written about me in the Law of Moses,^(C) the Prophets^(D) and the Psalms.”^(E)

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup^(A) the Father has given me?”

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^{(C) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(D) and complete, not lacking anything.

¹¹ As you know, we count as blessed^(A) those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance^(B) and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.^(C) The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.^(D)