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. ⁹ What you have learned^[a] and ^(A)received and heard and seen ^(B)in me—practice these things, and ^(C)the God of peace will be with you.

⁹ “Blessed are ^(A)the peacemakers, for ^(B)they shall be called ^(C)sons^[a] of God.

^10 (D)“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for ^(E)theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

^11 (F)“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely ^(G)on my account. ^12 (H)Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for ^(I)so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so ^(A)that^[a] they may see your good works and ^(B)give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

⁴⁴ But I say to you, ^(A)Love your enemies and ^(B)pray for those who persecute you, ^45 (C)so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and ^(D)sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ^46 (E)For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers,^[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even ^(F)the Gentiles do the same? ^48 (G)You therefore must be ^(H)perfect, ^(I)as your heavenly Father is perfect.