⁵ Examine yourselves^(A) to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.^(B) Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you^(C)—unless, of course, you fail the test?

²¹ I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved^(A) over many who have sinned earlier^(B) and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery^(C) in which they have indulged.

²⁸ Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die.^(A)

⁷ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought^(A) to your ways.

⁵ Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought^(A) to your ways.

³⁰ “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent!^(A) Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.^(B)

¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned^(A) against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.^(B)