So then, my brothers, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you! – this, dear brothers, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord.

Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. And you to, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow workers, whose names are in God’s book of the living.

May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!

Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The LORD is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise; things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:1-8

Rather than complain about the thorns on roses,

be thankful for roses among the thorns.

Our Daily Bread – August 12, 2003