¹⁵ But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

³⁶ You need to persevere^(A) so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.^(B)

⁶ that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit^(A) and growing throughout the whole world^(B)—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

²² But the fruit^(A) of the Spirit is love,^(B) joy, peace,^(C) forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control.^(D) Against such things there is no law.^{(E) 24} Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh^(F) with its passions and desires.^{(G) 25} Since we live by the Spirit,^(H) let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited,^(I) provoking and envying each other.

Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers

³ We know^(A) that we have come to know him^(B) if we keep his commands.^(C)

Patience in Suffering

⁷ Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.^(A) See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting^(B) for the autumn and spring rains.^{(C) 8} You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming^(D) is near.^(E)

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.^{(A) 23} Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,^(B) and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.^(C)

¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy^(A) of the Lord and please him^(B) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^(C)

¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness^(A) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.