Walk in Love

5 Therefore^(A) be imitators of God as dear ^(B)children. ² And ^(C)walk in love, ^(D)as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God ^(E)for a sweet-smelling aroma.

²⁶ Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” ²⁷ And he came near and ^(A)kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said:

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

⁶ If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, ^(A)nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

^16 (A)All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, ^(B)and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for ^[a]instruction in righteousness,

⁹ holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

⁹ Exhort ^(A)bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, ¹⁰ not ^[a]pilfering, but showing all good ^[b]fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Love Your Enemies^(A)

^27 (B)“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ^28 (C)bless those who curse you, and ^(D)pray for those who spitefully use you. ^29 (E)To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. ^(F)And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. ^30 (G)Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. ^31 (H)And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

^32 (I)“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ^34 (J)And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. ³⁵ But ^(K)love your enemies, ^(L)do good, and ^(M)lend, ^[a]hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and ^(N)you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

Behave Like a Christian

^9 (A)Let love be without hypocrisy. ^(B)Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. ^10 (C)Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, ^(D)in honor giving preference to one another;