5 Let your graciousness  * be known to everyone. The Lord is near.  *

1 A gentle answer turns away anger,  *

but a harsh word stirs up wrath.  *

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb:  *

sweet to the taste  * and health to the body.  *,*

5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.  *6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,  * so that you may know how you should answer each person.  *

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved,  * put on compassion, kindness,  * humility,  * gentleness,  * and patience,  *

22 But the fruit of the Spirit  * is love,  * joy,  * peace, patience,  * kindness,  * goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,  * and self-control.  * The law is not against such things.  *

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work  * for the good  * of all, especially for those who belong to the household  * of faith.  *

1 Let brotherly love  * continue. 2 Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.  *

13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another.  * Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister.  *

17 "Do not harbor hatred against your brother.  *,* Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him.  *18 Do not take revenge  * or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself;  * I am the Lord.

9 "The Lord of Armies says this: ‘Make fair decisions.  * Show faithful love and compassion  * to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the resident alien or the poor,  * and do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’  *

20 Truly I tell you, whoever receives anyone I send receives me, and the one who receives*me receives him who sent me."