But we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

I am not speaking this as a command, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

Speaking the truth

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"

Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,

Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.

Little children, let us not love in word or tongue but in deed and in truth.

May

in whom the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord;

Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

General references

A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."

For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function,