Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
The Lord is good,
a strong refuge when trouble comes.
He is close to those who trust in him.
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes — the Jew first and also the Gentile.
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say,
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
