example to others

¹²Let no one despise your youth, but be an example among the faithful in word, in behavior, in charity, in faith, in chastity.

⁷In all things, present yourself as an example of good works: in doctrine, with integrity, with seriousness,

¹⁶So then, let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father, who is in heaven.

¹Therefore, as most beloved sons, be imitators of God.

¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world, in order to judge the world, but in order that the world may be saved through him. ¹⁸Whoever believes in him is not judged. But whoever does not believe is already judged, because he does not believe in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. ¹⁹And this is the judgment: that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness more than light. For their works were evil. ²⁰For everyone who does evil hates the Light and does not go toward the Light, so that his works may not be corrected. ²¹But whoever acts in truth goes toward the Light, so that his works may be manifested, because they have been accomplished in God.”

¹Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ.

¹⁷Be imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who are walking similarly, just as you have seen by our example.

¹But accept those who are weak in faith, without disputing about ideas. ²For one person believes that he may eat all things, but if another is weak, let him eat plants. ³He who eats should not despise him who does not eat. And he who does not eat should not judge him who eats. For God has accepted him. ⁴Who are you to judge the servant of another? He stands or falls by his own Lord. But he shall stand. For God is able to make him stand. ⁵For one person discerns one age from the next. But another discerns unto every age. Let each one increase according to his own mind. ⁶He who understands the age, understands for the Lord. And he who eats, eats for the Lord; for he gives thanks to God. And he who does not eat, does not eat for the Lord, and he gives thanks to God.

²³For commandment is a lamp, and law is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.

³Therefore, all things whatsoever that they shall say to you, observe and do. Yet truly, do not choose to act according to their works. For they say, but they do not do.