Sunday 20 February 2011

1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,2“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel,and tell them, ‘You shall be holy;for I, the Lord your God, am holy.

· · · verses 3–16 are not read17“‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart.You shall surely rebuke your neighbor,and not bear sin because of him.

18“‘You shall not take vengeance,nor bear any grudge against the children of your people;but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.I am the Lord.

1Praise the Lord, my soul!All that is within me, praise his holy name!2Praise the Lord, my soul,and don’t forget all his benefits,

3who forgives all your sins,who heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from destruction,who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,

8The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.

10He has not dealt with us according to our sins,nor repaid us for our iniquities.

12As far as the east is from the west,so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13Like a father has compassion on his children,so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

16Don’t you know that you are God’s templeand that God’s Spirit lives in you?17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him;for God’s temple is holy, which you are.

18Let no one deceive himself.If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world,let him become a fool that he may become wise.19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.For it is written,“He has taken the wise in their craftiness.”20And again, “The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise,that it is worthless.”21Therefore let no one boast in men.For all things are yours,22whether Paul, or Apollos,or Cephas, or the world,or life, or death,or things present,or things to come.All are yours,23and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

38“You have heard that it was said,‘An eye for an eye,and a tooth for a tooth.’39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil;but whoever strikes you on your right cheek,turn to him the other also.40If anyone sues you to take away your coat,let him have your cloak also.41Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.42Give to him who asks you,and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.

43“You have heard that it was said,‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44But I tell you, love your enemies,bless those who curse you,do good to those who hate you,and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven.For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,and sends rain on the just and the unjust.46For if you love those who love you,what reward do you have?Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?47If you only greet your friends,what more do you do than others?Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?48Therefore you shall be perfect,just as your Father in heaven is perfect.