So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear …
Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.” (Mark 12:29-31)
“What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the one who encountered thieves?” Then the legal expert said, “The one who demonstrated mercy.” Jesus told the legal expert, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)
God, the one and only — I’ll wait as long as God says. Everything I hope for comes from God, so why not? God is the solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I’m set for life. (Psalm 62:5-6)
There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life — fear of death, fear of judgment — is one not yet fully formed in love. (1 John 4:18)
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore them, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. …
Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. (James 5:9)
Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love God with all that’s in you, love God with all you’ve got! (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or …
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24 NIV)