Thursday, September 16

7Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's.

8For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—

9lest I seem to terrify you by letters.

10'For his letters,' they say, 'are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.'

11Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

12For 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.

13We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.

14For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;

15not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,

16to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment.

17But 'he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.'

18For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

28'Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter;

29but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation'

30because they said, 'He has an unclean spirit.'

31Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him.

32And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, 'Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.'

33But He answered them, saying, 'Who is My mother, or My brothers?'

34And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, 'Here are My mother and My brothers!

35For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.'