Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice -- alive, holy, and pleasing to God -- which is your reasonable service.

You

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,

Warn

Their houses will be turned over to others as will their fields and their wives. For I will unleash my power against those who live in this land," says the Lord.

"Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you must give them a warning from me.

He sees the sword coming against the land, blows the trumpet, and warns the people,

For I did not hold back from announcing to you the whole purpose of God.

I am not writing these things to shame you, but to correct you as my dear children.

We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.

That

An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.

Unruly

For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, not doing their own work but meddling in the work of others.

Be

Through all that they suffered, he suffered too. The messenger sent from his very presence delivered them. In his love and mercy he protected them; he lifted them up and carried them throughout ancient times.

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.

He is able to deal compassionately with those who are ignorant and erring, since he also is subject to weakness,

Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them, and those ill-treated as though you too felt their torment.

General references

Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees,