1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

1. Work produced by faith

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

James 2:14-17 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?  15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. (NLT)

Matthew 15: 8-9 “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; (NIV)

1 John 2:3-6 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.  6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. (NLT)

2. Labor prompted by love

1 Thessalonians 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love… (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (NLT)

3. Endurance inspired by hope

1 Thessalonians 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

Hebrews 6:19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.  (NLT)

1 Peter 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (NIV)

Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT)

I’m Keeping People From Jesus | Herbert Cooper

Luke 15:4–7 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (NIV)

4 LESSONS ABOUT GOD’S HEART TO REACH ONE MORE LOST PERSON

1. WE ARE CALLED TO GO AFTER THE ONE

Matthew 28:19 Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (NIV)

Mark 16:15 He said to them, “GO into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (NIV)

Matthew 9:36–38 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to SEND OUT WORKERS into his harvest field.” (NIV)

2. WE MUST SEE THE NEED TO GO

3. WE MUST PRAY FOR MORE PEOPLE TO GO

4. WE MUST ANSWER OUR OWN PRAYERS TO GO

Matthew 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus SENT out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 GO rather to the lost sheep of Israel. (NIV)

Luke 15:1-2 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." (NIV)

5 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES AND LOVING FATHER CHURCHES

1A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES ARE CONSUMED WITH THEMSELVES

Luke 15:29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I'VE been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave ME even a young goat so I could celebrate with MY friends. (NIV)

1B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES ARE CONSUMED WITH WHO’S MISSING

2A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES ARE COUNTING RIGHTS AND WRONGS

Luke 15:29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. (NIV)

Luke 15:30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (NIV)

2B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES ARE COUNTING SOULS

Luke 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (NIV)

3A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES FOCUS ON RULES

Luke 15:30 But when THIS SON OF YOURS who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (NIV)

3B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES FOCUS ON RELATONSHIP

Luke 15:27 ‘Your BROTHER has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ (NIV)

Luke 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother OF YOURS was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (NIV)

Luke 15:24 For this son OF MINE was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (NIV)

4A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES RESENT GRACE

Luke 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. (NIV)

4B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES REJOICE IN GRACE

Luke 15:32 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (NIV)

Ephesians 2:8–9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)

5A. OLDER BROTHER CHURCHES STAND OUTSIDE THE PARTY

Luke 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. (NIV)

5B. LOVING FATHER CHURCHES PLEAD WITH OLDER BROTHERS TO JOIN THE PARTY

Luke 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and PLEADED with him. (NIV)

Luke 15:4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses ONE of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? (NIV)

Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over ONE sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (NIV)

Luke 15:8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses ONE. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? (NIV)

Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over ONE sinner who repents.” (NIV)

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)

Luke 15:8–10 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (NIV)

1. A “ONE MORE” CHURCH CARES ABOUT THE ONE

2. A “ONE MORE” CHURCH LIGHTS LAMPS

Acts 26:18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to LIGHT, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (NIV)

2A. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)

2B. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)

2C. THE CHURCH IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven LAMPSTANDS are the seven churches. (NIV)

3. A “ONE MORE” CHURCH SWEEPS FLOORS

3A. WE SWEEP WHEN WE PRAY

Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (NIV)

3B. WE SWEEP WHEN WE START CHURCHES

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people IN CHRIST JESUS at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (NIV)

1. YOUR IDENTITY IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints IN CHRIST Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: (ESV)

Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brothers IN CHRIST at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. (ESV)

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful IN CHRIST JESUS (ESV)

Colossians 1:26–27 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory. (NIV)

Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living IN YOU, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives IN YOU. (NIV)

Galatians 3:26 For IN CHRIST Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. (ESV)

2. YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 3:9 and be found IN HIM, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that IN HIM we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV)

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are IN CHRIST JESUS. (ESV)

Ephesians 1:7 IN HIM we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, (ESV)

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God IN CHRIST forgave you. (ESV)

Ephesians 2:13 But now IN CHRIST JESUS you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified IN CHRIST JESUS, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (ESV)

2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us IN CHRIST Jesus before the ages began, (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is IN CHRIST, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (ESV)

3. YOUR GODLY MIND IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours IN CHRIST JESUS, (ESV)

4. YOUR HUMILITY IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 2:5- 8 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours IN CHRIST Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (ESV)

5. YOUR CONFIDENCE IS IN CHRIST

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory IN CHRIST JESUS and put no confidence in the flesh (ESV)

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives IN ME. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (ESV)

Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have BOLDNESS and access with confidence through our faith IN HIM. (ESV)

6. YOUR PEACE IS IN CHRIST

7. YOUR NEEDS ARE MET IN CHRIST

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory IN CHRIST JESUS. (ESV)

1. Am I truly In Christ Jesus?

2. Am I confusing my wants with my needs?

3. Am I obeying God’s word?

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN CHRIST with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (ESV)

Philippians 1:12 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. (NIV)

1. Paul’s problems didn’t stop his mission; they propelled his mission.

Philippians 1:12 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me… (NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:25 – Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea (NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:26 - I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.  (NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. (NLT)

Philippians 1:12-14 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)

2. Paul used his earthly trials to give people heavenly hope

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.  20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law, I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.  22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (ESV)

Philippians 1:12-13 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.  13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. (NIV)

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Philippians 4:21-22 - Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (NIV)

1. CARES 

Mark 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. (NIV)

2. COMPARISON

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (NKJV)

Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the SECRET of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (NIV)

1. CONTENTMENT IS LEARNED  

Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (NIV)

Philippians 3:14 I PRESS on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (NIV)

2. CONTENTMENT COMES FROM GRATEFULNESS

Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (NIV)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. (NIV)

Colossians 1:3 We ALWAYS THANK GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, (NIV)

1 Corinthians 1:4 I ALWAYS THANK MY GOD for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 give THANKS IN ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

3. CONTENTMENT COMES AS WE RELY ON GOD

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

Matthew 6:25 - “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (NKJV)

1. Bring your worries to God in prayer.

Philippians 4:6 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ( NLT)

2. Trade your worry for worship.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

3. Focus your mind on the pure and positive things.

Philippians 4:8 - And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (NLT)

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)

Romans 12:2 – Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (NLT)

Colossians 3:1-3 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  (NIV)

Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (NLT)

1. FOCUS ON WHO YOU ARE

Philippians 3:4–10 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider EVERYTHING A LOSS because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be FOUND IN HIM, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (NIV)

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (NIV)

John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (NIV)

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

2. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU NEED TO FORGET

Philippians 3:12–13 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: FORGETTING what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (NIV)

Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (NIV)

3. FOCUS ON THE GOAL

Philippians 3:14 I PRESS on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Hebrews 10:35–36 So do not throw away your CONFIDENCE; it will be richly REWARDED. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (NIV)

1. BE POSITIVE

Philippians 1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, (NKJV)

2. LIVE PURPOSEFUL

Philippians 1:13–18 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I REJOICE. Yes, and I will continue to REJOICE, (NIV)

3. MAINTAIN PERSPECTIVE

Philippians 1:19–24 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (NIV)

Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)

4. STAND IN CHRIST’S POWER

Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel (NIV)

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)

John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you LOVE one another.” (NIV)

Ephesians 4:2–3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)