For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God's powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace . . .

   May God Who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other - each with the attitude of Christ toward the other. And then all of us can praise the Lord together with one voice, giving glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   Don't do anything that will cause criticism against yourself even though you know that what you do is right.

   If you let Christ be Lord in these affairs, God will be glad; and so will others. In this way aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

   Is there any such thing as Christians cheering each other up? Do you love me enough to want to help me? Does it mean anything to you that we are brothers in the Lord, sharing the same Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic at all? Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

   I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

   Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

   And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

Taken from Rom. 1, Eph. 2, Rom. 15, 14, Phil. 2, Rom. 12, I Cor. 1, Col. 3, The Living
Bible, The New King James, and The New International Version. For free Lifescope book,
write to Box 1575, Carlsbad, NM 88221. Please send $1.00 for postage and handling.