Vklodika

I

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

To practice compassion is to witness the world through the lens of empathy—to recognize the struggles, joys, and humanity inherent in every being. It’s the profound act of extending a helping hand, offering solace, and fostering a sense of belonging to all living creatures.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus..

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Foster Harmony

Fostering harmony invites individuals to seek balance and peace within themselves and their surroundings. It’s an endeavor to weave together the disparate threads of life, nurturing an environment where tranquility and equilibrium reign.

To foster harmony is to dance in synchrony with life’s rhythms—to embrace the ebb and flow, finding equilibrium amidst chaos. It’s the conscious effort to cultivate inner peace and extend it to the world, fostering environments where balance and serenity flourish.

In the confluence of embodying responsibility and fostering harmony lies the essence of a life of balance and accountability. Together, they pave the way for a journey characterized by self-awareness, empowerment, and a harmonious coexistence with oneself and the world.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

II

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that testing your faith produces perseverance. Let persistence complete its work so that you can become mature and whole without lacking for anything.

Moreover, we boast in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

For everything there is a time, and a time for every purpose under heaven.

Forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to obtain the prize for which God has called me to heaven in Christ Jesus.

Give thanks in all circumstances; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

III

Integrity: He who walks in integrity walks safely, but he who walks in crooked ways will be found out.

Discipline: Like a city whose walls have fallen, like a man who lacks self-control.

Compassion: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.

Knowledge: The heart of the wise finds knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it.

Respect for diversity: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The embodiment of responsibility: From everyone to whom much is given, much will be asked; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, much more will be asked of him.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Develop gratitude: give thanks under any circumstances; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.

May these values guide our lives