³² These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

⁸ Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.

Living as Children of Light

¹⁷ With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.

¹¹ “You fathers—if your children ask^[a] for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? ¹² Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! ¹³ So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

⁵ not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.

²⁵ But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. ²⁶ But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,

⁴⁶ If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. ⁴⁷ If you are kind only to your friends,^[a] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.