In our scripture reading for today, the Apostle Paul counsels his dear friends to embrace and attend to goodness, and compassion and faith, in a time when he cannot promise that they will have homes or money or safety or any of the things that a person would want to have, for a stable and comfortable life. Because they can always hold on to things that are true, and honourable and just and commendable. Goodwill, kindness, dignity and integrity - these things can remain, even when other things pass away.