Results of Justification

5 ^(A)Therefore, having been justified by faith, ^[a](B)we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we also have ^(C)obtained our introduction by faith into this grace ^(D)in which we stand; and ^[b]we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. ^3 (E)And not only this, but ^[c]we also ^(F)celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about ^(G)perseverance; ⁴ and ^(H)perseverance, ^(I)proven character; and proven character, hope; ⁵ and hope ^(J)does not disappoint, because the love of God has been ^(K)poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

^2 (A)Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter ^(B)various ^[a]trials, ³ knowing that ^(C)the testing of your ^(D)faith produces ^[b](E)endurance. ⁴ And let ^[c](F)endurance have its perfect ^[d]result, so that you may be ^[e](G)perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

^31 [a](A)Treat people the same way you want them to ^[b]treat you. ^32 (B)If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ^34 (C)And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. ³⁵ But ^(D)love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be ^(E)sons of ^(F)the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. ^36 [c]Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who have been ^(A)persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for ^(B)theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people ^(C)insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for ^(D)in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Disciples and the World

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but ^(E)if the salt has become tasteless, how ^[a]can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.

¹⁴ “You are ^(F)the light of the world. A city set on a ^[b]hill cannot be hidden; ^15 (G)nor do people light a lamp and put it under a ^[c]basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may ^(H)see your good works, and ^(I)glorify your Father who is in heaven.