Meditate on These Things

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are ^(A)true, whatever things are ^(B)noble, whatever things are ^(C)just, ^(D)whatever things are pure, whatever things are ^(E)lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

¹⁷ But ^(A)the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, ^(B)without partiality ^(C)and without hypocrisy.

⁷ in all things showing yourself to be ^(A)a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, ^(B)incorruptibility,^[a]

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; ¹¹ not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ^12 (E)rejoicing in hope, ^(F)patient^[a] in tribulation, ^(G)continuing steadfastly in prayer; ^13 (H)distributing to the needs of the saints, ^(I)given^[b] to hospitality.

^14 (J)Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ^15 (K)Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ^16 (L)Be of the same mind toward one another. ^(M)Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

^17 (N)Repay no one evil for evil. ^(O)Have^[c] regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, ^(P)live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹ Beloved, ^(Q)do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ^(R)“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but ^(T)overcome evil with good.

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

^21 (A)providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

³ as His ^(A)divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him ^(B)who called us by glory and virtue, ^4 (C)by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be ^(D)partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the ^[a]corruption that is in the world through lust.

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

⁵ But also for this very reason, ^(E)giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue ^(F)knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control ^[b]perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and ^(G)to brotherly kindness love.

^21 (A)Test all things; ^(B)hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.

Take Heed to Your Ministry

¹² Let no one ^[a]despise your youth, but be an ^(A)example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, ^[b]in spirit, in faith, in purity.