⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

¹⁷ But ^(A)the wisdom from above is first pure, then ^(B)peaceable, gentle, open to reason, ^(C)full of mercy and good fruits, ^(D)impartial and ^(E)sincere.

⁷ Show yourself in all respects to be ^(A)a model of good works, and in your teaching ^(B)show integrity, ^(C)dignity,

Marks of the True Christian

^9 (A)Let love be genuine. ^(B)Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ^10 (C)Love one another with brotherly affection. ^(D)Outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹ Do not be slothful in zeal, ^(E)be fervent in spirit,^{[a] (F)}serve the Lord. ^12 (G)Rejoice in hope, ^(H)be patient in tribulation, ^(I)be constant in prayer. ^13 (J)Contribute to the needs of the saints and ^(K)seek to show hospitality.

^14 (L)Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ^15 (M)Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ^16 (N)Live in harmony with one another. ^(O)Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.^{[b] (P)}Never be wise in your own sight. ^17 (Q)Repay no one evil for evil, but ^(R)give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, ^(S)live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, ^(T)never avenge yourselves, but leave it^[c] to the wrath of God, for it is written, ^(U)“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, ^(V)“if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

²¹ for ^(A)we aim at what is honorable ^(B)not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.

²² But ^(A)the fruit of the Spirit is ^(B)love, joy, peace, patience, ^(C)kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Confirm Your Calling and Election

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him ^(A)who called us to^[a] his own glory and excellence,^{[b] 4} by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become ^(B)partakers of the divine nature, ^(C)having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith ^(D)with virtue,^[c] and virtue ^(E)with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control ^(F)with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness ^(G)with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection ^(H)with love.

²¹ but ^(A)test everything; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.

^12 (A)Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, ^(B)they may see your good deeds and glorify God on ^(C)the day of visitation.