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Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!¹

When Jesus was asked what was the most important commandment, he answered, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’²

We need not fret nor worry; his children, his saints are important to God—more valuable than the birds or the grass of the fields.³ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.⁴ For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.⁵

Jesus himself said, I am the good shepherd.⁶ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and not one will snatch them out of my hand.⁷ In context, both sheep and goats gazed together. Goats meant trouble; sheep simply followed the shepherd. During sheering season, the goats and the sheep were separated for goats had no wool. They had no benefit to the shepherd in terms of wool. When Jesus returns he will separate his saints from others. Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!⁸

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.⁹ The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delight in his way; though he fail, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.¹⁰ I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.¹¹

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; and seek to show hospitality.¹² The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.¹³

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah, that your way
may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise  you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!¹⁴