BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable)
is the man who walks and lives not
in the counsel of the ungodly
[following their advice, their plans and purposes],
nor stands [submissive and inactive]
in the path where sinners walk,
nor sits down [to relax and rest]
where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
But his delight and desire are in the law
of the Lord, and on His law
(the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God)
he habitually meditates (ponders and studies)
by day and by night.
And he shall be like a tree firmly planted
[and tended] by the streams of water,
ready to bring forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf also shall not fade or wither;
and everything he does shall prosper
[and come to maturity].
Psalm 1:1-3
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?
Any comfort from his love?
Any fellowship together in the Spirit?
Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other,
loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Don’t look out only for your own interests,
but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Philippians 2:1-5
And so, dear brothers and sisters,
I plead with you to give your bodies to God
because of all he has done for you.
Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—
the kind he will find acceptable.
This is truly the way to worship him.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
