Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

he thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Instead, be very glad–for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

We love because he first loved us.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.