As surely as I live,
says the Sovereign LORD,
I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways
so they can live.
Turn!
Turn from your wickedness…
Why should you die?
As surely as I live,
says the Sovereign LORD,
I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.
I only want them to turn from their wicked ways
so they can live.
Turn!
Turn from your wickedness…
Why should you die?
Keep a close watch on how you live
and on your teaching.
Stay true to what is right
for the sake of your own salvation
and the salvation of those who hear you.
All honor and glory to God forever and ever!
He is the eternal King,
the unseen one who never dies;
he alone is God.
Amen.
Cling to your faith in Christ,
and keep your conscience clear.
For some people have deliberately violated their consciences;
as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
…pray for all people.
Ask God to help them;
intercede on their behalf,
and give thanks for them.
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority
so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives
marked by godliness and dignity.
This is good and pleases God…
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself
and God our Father,
who loved us and by his grace
gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,
comfort you and strengthen you…
Be thankful in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
See that no one pays back evil for evil,
but always try to do good to each other
and to all people.