Controlling your Thoughts

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. …

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. …

‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”