For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. — The most quoted verse in scripture, stripped of sentimentality and returned to its context — a conversation with a Pharisee about what gets judged and what gets saved.

But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. — The thorn never left. The prayer for removal was denied three times. What Paul got instead was a rewiring of what strength even is.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. — Worship is not emotional intensity or Sunday-morning feeling. Paul means something far more costly — the daily offering of a body that still wants the empire's approval.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Paul writes about anxiety from Roman prison. What he offers is not comfort. It is a reordering of what peace even means when circumstances refuse to change.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. — Paul's 'all things' is not superhuman achievement. It is the capacity to remain at peace in poverty and plenty, degradation and honor, without fracturing.