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1SCRIPTURE EXTRACTS TO ACCOMPANY VALUES

ASSERTIVENESS  Psalm 8:3-6 Human beings are God’s creation, made in his image and we share something of His dignity and authority. This is the basis for healthy self respect and proper assertiveness. This psalm marvels at the fact that we are both ‘clay’ and crowned with ‘glory and honour’.

When we look at the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you have set there; what are we that you should think of us, what are we, creatures of clay, that you should care for us? Yet you have made us little less than angels, and you crown us with glory and honor. You have given us authority over all the works of your hands; and put all things under our feet,

 Matthew 15:22-28 This Canaanite (non-Jewish) woman knows what she needs and that Jesus can help her so she is assertive enough to ignore being teased and tested by Jesus or pushed to one side by his disciples.

A Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.

 John 19:9-11 Jesus is not intimidated by the Roman governor Pilate or anyone else. He knows who he is: His Father’s Son. We also are sons and daughters of God. God is always with us and we need not let others tell us how to behave.

Pilate entered the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above’.

CLEANLINESS  Genesis 18:1-4 Cleanliness was greatly valued by the Jewish people. The first thing offered to a guest was clean water so they could wash.

1 Developed by Cath Place - Catholic Education Office Melbourne, Supported by Louise Harris & Kelli Simmons As Abraham he sat at the door of his tent by the oak of Mamre, in the heat of the day, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men stood in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the earth, and said, "My lords, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

 Leviticus 16:23-24 This is just one example of hundreds of verses in the Old Testament which show the importance of bathing and physical cleanliness in itself and as a symbol of inner purity.

Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting, and shall take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there; and he shall bathe his body in water.

 John 13:4-5 Feet got really filthy on the roads and streets of Palestine; keeping them clean inside the house was very important. Often slaves performed this service but on this night Jesus did the task for his disciples.

Jesus rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.

COMPASSION  Exodus 2:2-10 The Egyptians had ordered that all Hebrew baby boys were to be killed at birth. The compassion of the Pharaoh’s daughter means that one very special child lives to become leader of his people.

A Hebrew woman bore a son; a fine child, and she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer she took for him a basket made of bulrushes, and daubed it with bitumen and pitch; and she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds at the river's brink. His sister stood at a distance, to watch what would happen to him. Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, and her maidens walked beside the river; she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to fetch it. When she opened it she saw the child; and the babe was crying. She took pity on him and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?"And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go." So the girl went and called the child's mother. And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away, and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages." So the woman took the child and nursed him. And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son; and she named him Moses, for she said, "Because I drew him out of the water."

 Mark 1:40-43 One of many examples of the compassion of Jesus. Even his words show his sympathy and desire to help the sick man.

A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees, "If you want to, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "Of course I want to’ he said, “Be clean." And the leprosy left him at once and he was cured”

 Luke 10:29-37 Jesus’ greatest story of compassion and neighbourliness. A man asked Jesus a question: "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

CONFIDENCE  Exodus 4:10- God appears to Moses in a burning bush and sends him as leader of his people to ask the Pharaoh to free the enslaved Israelites. Moses is afraid but God promises to be with him just as God is always with us. Knowing that God is with us is a great basis for having confidence in ourselves.

Moses said to the Lord, "Oh, my Lord, send someone else, I am not eloquent, I am slow of speech and of tongue." Then the Lord said to him, "Who has made your mouth? Who makes you able to hear or see or speak? Is it not I, the Lord? Therefore go, and I will be with you and teach you what you should say"

 1 Samuel 32-50 (abridged) David’s confidence in God is the source of his confidence in himself

David said to King Saul, " I will go and fight with this Philistine Goliath." But Saul said, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a lad, and he has been a man of war from his youth." But David said to Saul, "I kept sheep for my father; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it captured the beast and rescued the lamb and if the wild animal resisted I killed it. I’ve killed both lions and bears; and this Philistine shall be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the mouth of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." So Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you!" Then Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a helmet of bronze on his head, and clothed him with a coat of mail. David girded his sword over his armor, and he tried in vain to move, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these; for I am not used to them." So David took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in his shepherd's bag or wallet; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, ruddy and comely in appearance. And the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks and stones?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, "Come on then, I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field." Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down, and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hand." The Philistine arose and drew near David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone, and slung it. It struck the Philistine on his forehead and he fell on his face to the ground. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone. He struck the Philistine and killed him; and there was no sword in his hand.

 John 2:1-11 Mary the mother of Jesus has such complete confidence in Jesus that even when he does not seem to hear her request she goes ahead instructing the stewards to listen to him and do what he says. We can have confidence in him too.

On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "O woman, what is that to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast." So they took it. When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

CONSIDERATION-  Ruth 1:5-17 This story shows the consideration Naomi had for her two daughters-in-law offering them freedom to leave her and make a new life for themselves and also Ruth’s consideration for her mother-in-law, an elderly widow in a strange land.

Naomi’s husband and her two sons died, leaving her a widow in a foreign country, Moab. Eventually she decided to go home to Judah. because she had heard that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law who were both women of Moab, "Go, return each of you to your her mother's house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with me. The Lord grant that you may find another home, each of you, in the house of a good husband!" Then she kissed them good-bye and they wept. And they said to her, "No, we will return with you to your people." But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? I cannot provide you with husbands. No, it already hurts me that the death of my sons has meant that you two are without support." Then they wept again; and finally Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and went back to her own people, but Ruth clung to Naomi who said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; go with her." But Ruth said, "Please don’t ask me to leave you or to stop following you; for where you go I will go, and where you live I will live; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die I will die, and there will I be buried”. And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

 Luke 7:11-15 This is another story about a widow. Widows, in ancient times were left in a very difficult position when their husbands died. There were no social welfare arrangements in those days and widows depended on their families especially their sons. Out of consideration for the young man’s mother Jesus restores her son to her.

Soon afterward he went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.

 John 19:25-27 Even in his agony on the cross Jesus showed consideration for both his mother and John his most faithful disciple. He asks each of them to look out for the other.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Mag'dalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

COURAGE  Daniel 6:1-7 Daniel, a good and courageous man continues his prayers to God even when the courtiers, jealous of him, convince the king to make a new law forcing everyone to pray before the king’s image. We don’t have to go along with things we know are wrong.

All the governors and officials were jealous of Daniel and, knowing that Daniel prayed to God three times a day, they got King Darius to agree to a law commanding that whoever prayed to any god, except to the king, should be thrown into the den of lions.

Then they went to the king and said, "O king! Did you not sign an law that any man who prays to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?" The king answered, "I did”. The courtiers then dragged Daniel before him and accused him of breaking this law. The king though he wanted to spare Daniel could not revoke his law without losing face so he said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!" then Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions.

Then, at break of day, the king who had spent a sleepless night, went in haste to the den of lions. When he came to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish and said to Daniel, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?"

‘My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O King. I have done no wrong."

 Judges 4: Deborah was a wise woman who was also a courageous leader of Israel at a time of great need. She not only gave advice and encouragement but supported others, less courageous by her presence. In this story we see her advising Barak, the commander of the Israelite army and even accompanying him to the battle.

The people of Israel cried to the Lord for help; for Sisera their Canaanite enemy had oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years. Now Deborah, a prophetess, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah in the hill country of Ephraim; and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment on all sorts of matters. She sent for Barak, a soldier and said to him, "The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, `Go, gather ten thousand men at Mount Tabor, and I will draw out Sisera, the general of the army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.'" Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go." And she said, "I will surely go with you; " So Barak gathered an army and when all was ready Deborah said to Barak, "Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor and the Lord gave him a great victory over Sisera and all his chariots and all his army.

 Acts 7:55-60 Stephen was the first martyr of the Church. Martyr is a word that means witness. It describes those who are willing to witness to Jesus Christ even by death – a great act of courage.

Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together upon him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

COURTESY  Luke 10:38-42 While Martha bustles round the house, Mary pays Jesus the great courtesy of listening carefully to everything he has to say.

As they went on their way, Jesus entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; but only one is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."

 Luke 1:28-38 God, through the angel Gabriel, greets Mary with great respect and courtesy, announces the birth of the Holy One and waits for Mary’s acceptance.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

 John 18:20-23 Even under enormous stress before the governor Pontius Pilate, even when his face is slapped, Jesus does not bad mouth his accusers or hit back but answers calmly and courteously.

Jesus said, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together; I have said nothing secretly. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me, what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?"

CREATIVITY  Genesis 1:26-28 God is the source of all creativity and because we human beings are made in the image and likeness of God we share the gift of creativity, being able to think and imagine, shape and invent, make decisions, solve problems and think of alternatives.

God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth."  Wisdom 1:7 This little description of the potter makes the point that it is the potter who decides what he is going to make. Decisions in life are ours – we have the creativity to think, make, choose and decide.

When a potter kneads the soft earth and laboriously moulds each vessel for our service, he fashions out of the same clay both the vessels that meant for decoration and those meant for essential uses, making all in like manner; but which shall be the use of each of these, the worker in clay decides.

 Luke:1- 8 This story sounds as though Jesus is praising dishonesty but the steward was allowing his master’s debtors to pay just what they owed the master without paying the bonus that would normally have come to him, thus ensuring support when he had to quit work. The point is, that the steward is able to think creatively about solving his problems and so are we.

Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a steward, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So the master called the steward and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' The steward said to himself, `What shall I do, since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I’ll do so that people may receive me into their houses when I am out of work.' Summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He said, `A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, `Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' Then he said to another, `And how much do you owe?' He said, `A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill, and write eighty.' The master commended his steward for his shrewdness.

DETERMINATION  Genesis 32:22-30 In this story Jacob, one of the patriarchs of Israel wrestles all night with a mysterious stranger. He will not give in and in the morning the stranger gives him a new name and blesses him. Jacob realises that in his struggle he has met God. Sometimes that is how it is for us too. We encounter God in trying to come to grips with our own struggles and difficulties.

That night Jacob arose and took his family and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. And Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he could not prevail against Jacob, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob's thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled. Then the stranger said, "Let me go, for day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." The stranger said, "What is your name?" "Jacob" he answered. Then the stranger said, "Your name shall be Jacob no more, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked him, "Tell me, I pray, your name." But the stranger said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And then he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved."

 Mark 10:47-52 This blind man was determined to attract Jesus’ attention even though the disciples and others were trying to stop him. Determined people don’t give up when things don’t go their way.

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; rise, he is calling you." Throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 Paul gives a few details about some of the things he has had to go through to preach the gospel. None of these things have taken away his determination to spread the good news of Jesus to the world.

Five times I have received at the hands of the Jews forty lashes less one. Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brethren; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

ENTHUSIASM  Mark 10:17-21 A young man following Jesus was enthusiastic about being the best person he could be until he found out that he would have to change the way he lived.

As he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: `Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" And he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." At that saying his face fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

 Matthew 14:28-31 Peter, having recognised Jesus, enthusiastically jumps out of the boat to come to him, then gets uncertain when he feels the wind. This is a bit like us when we start something full of confidence then have a few set backs and start to go under. We can always call out to Jesus in prayer.

Peter called out to Jesus, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." Jesus said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he felt the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?"

 Acts 2:44-47 This is a description of the first Christian communities as they threw themselves enthusiastically into their new life of faith. The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek expression meaning ‘in God’ or God breathed. It means being excited and committed.

All who believed lived together and owned all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. Day by day, they attended the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they shared they food with glad and generous hearts. They praised God and were respected by everyone. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

EXCELLENCE  Daniel 6:1-6 Daniel was a fine young man, handsome, intelligent, a hard-worker but above all he had an excellent character and was totally faithful to God. It pleased King Darius to set over his kingdom a hundred and twenty governors, to look after the various parts of the kingdom; and he set over these three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these governors should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents because he had such an excellent spirit within him; and the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the presidents and the governors were jealous and sought to find grounds for complaint against Daniel with regard to his duties; but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault in him, because he was faithful and careful, never negligent. No error or neglect could be found in him.   Luke 7:1-10 Jesus praises a Roman centurion for the excellence of his faith, greater than the faith he had found among his own people.  After he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a slave who was dear to him, who was sick and at the point of death. When he heard of Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his slave. And when they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue." And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, `Go,' and he goes; and to another, `Come,' and he comes; and to my slave, `Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave well.

 Philippians 4:8-9 Paul writes to people he loves in a community of Christians in Greece and advises them to concentrate on achieving the really good things in life – their excellence in goodness.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

FAIRNESS  Amos 5:21-24 The prophets of Israel had a great sense of what was fair and what wasn’t. Listen to Amos speaking to the people of Judah in God’s name. God doesn’t want fancy religious ceremonies but justice for all people.

I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like a river, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.

 Matthew 7:12 In Matthew’s gospel Jesus gives what is often called his Sermon on the Mount. It is a summary of some of his key teachings. One of them is known as ‘the golden rule’. Always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that is the meaning of the Law and the prophets.

 Acts 10:34-35 Peter the apostle of Jesus addresses all who have come to the house of Cornelius to hear him speak about who is acceptable to God.

Peter addressed them: ‘The truth I have come to realise’ he said is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him’.

FLEXIBILITY  Genesis 12:1-5 Abraham, even though he was an old man and was quite settled in his own country, shows great flexibility and readiness to respond when God calls him to leave home and set out for a new land and a new challenge.

Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that your name will be used as a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves." So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarah his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all the possessions which they had gathered, and the persons that they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan.

 Luke 2:13-23 Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus showed immense openness to the word of God which came to him in dreams. His willingness to change and be flexible saves Jesus’ life in this story from the infancy story of Jesus.

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

 Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi change their minds about reporting back to Herod after they have visited Jesus and return to their homes by another way.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: `And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'" Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

FORGIVENESS  Ecclesiasticus 28:2-7 These wise words advise forgiveness of others out of self interest if nothing more. We can’t expect forgiveness ourselves if we do not offer it to others.

Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be forgiven If you are angry with someone else how can you expect God to be gentle with you? If you are unkind to another person how can you ask God to be kind to you? If you do not forgive others, how can you expect anyone to forgive you?

 Matthew 18 21-35 Peter is astonished when Jesus insists that we must forgive no matter how many times we are offended. Jesus tells him a story which shows him why.

Peter came up and said to Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive each other from your heart."

 Luke 15:11-32 This is perhaps Jesus’ greatest story of the love, mercy and forgiveness of God

Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, `How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, `Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. "Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, `Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, `Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has wasted your fortune on riotous living, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

FRIENDSHIP  Mark 2:1-5 One of the signs of real friendship is the willingness to help each other. Here we see the friends of a paralysed man going as far as removing the tiles from a roof so they could lower their friend down to be cured by Jesus.

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."

 Luke 15:8-9 Friends are those who can be happy with you and are glad when good things happen for you.

What woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.'

 John 19:25-27 Friends are those who stay near you even when it is very hard like this part of the story of Jesus’ death when Jesus’ friend John stays with his mother Mary until the bitter end.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

GENEROSITY  Mark 14:3-7 Jesus praises the loving generosity of the woman who anoints him with costly oil.

While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at table, a woman came in with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. But there were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment thus wasted? For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." And they reproached her. But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me.  Luke 21:1-4 Generosity isn’t always about the size of the gift but about the willingness to give even when it hurts, like this woman who contributes only a small sum but it is all she has.

He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; and he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. And he said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty, put in all the living that she had."

 Matthew 22:1-10 One of the images Jesus used to give us an idea of the kingdom of heaven is of a great, generous feast provided by a king to celebrate his son’s marriage. It makes the point that God is generous and desires to share good things with us.

Again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, `Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.' But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, `The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.' And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

HELPFULNESS  Matthew 25:31-40 In this part of the gospel, Jesus gives his disciples an image of how God judges our lives. Those who have helped others are the ones who will be welcomed into God’s kingdom.

"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, `Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'  Romans 12: 9-18 More advice from St Paul, this time to the Christians in Rome emphasising the need to be good to others – to help and support them in all sorts of ways.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in hard times, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of all, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be proud, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.

 Acts.6:1-4 In the early Church all the widows and dependent members of the community were helped and supported. Eventually there were so many that some were being left out so Peter and the apostles decided to choose more helpers

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, some people were missing out during the distribution of food. So the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said pleased everyone, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem,

HONESTY  Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus was a rich but dishonest man – tax-collectors at that time, not only collected taxes for the Roman Empire but routinely charged extra and pocketed it themselves (that was how they got rich). This story tells of Zacchaeus’ meeting with Jesus whose acceptance of him changed him into an honest and generous man.

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. There was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich and he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was too short. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for he was to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he climbed down quickly and received Jesus joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, sir, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I will restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

 Luke 16:10-12 Jesus explains to his disciples that it is important to practise being honest and trustworthy in small things because unless our small everyday actions are honest we are unlikely to be honest in bigger, more important matters.

Jesus said to them "Whoever can be trusted in very little things is faithful also in great things; and whoever is dishonest in very little things is dishonest also in greater things. If you can’t be trusted with money, who will trust you with true riches?

 Luke 8:11,15 God’s word can take root in a person with an honest and good heart.

The seed is the word of God…. The good soil can be compared to those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bring forth fruit with patience.

KINDNESS  Luke 1:35-43 As soon as Mary heard that her cousin Elizabeth who was not a young woman, was expecting a baby, she went straight to help her even though she herself was also expecting a baby.

The angel said to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Then Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? And Mary remained with her about three months, then returned to her home.

 Colossians 12-13 These short verses explain why we must be kind and good to others – it is because we are chosen by God.

You are God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, so you must be kind and humble and patient, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you.

 Acts 3 1-10 Peter and John meet a beggar at the temple gate. They have no money but in their kindness give him a much greater and more wonderful gift than mere money. Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. A man lame from birth was being carried in, one whom they laid daily at the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter, with John, directed his gaze at him, and said, "Look at us." And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

MODERATION  Wisdom 8:1,7 The wisdom of God is sometimes imaged as a gracious and generous woman who gives gifts to the whole of creation; gifts that include self control and moderation.

She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things well. for she teaches self-control and prudence, justice and courage; nothing in life is more profitable for us than these things.

 Acts 26 24-32 When Paul is taken before the court to explain his belief in Christ. Festus accuses him of being mad but Paul insists that he is not exaggerating but speaking the sober truth. He almost convinces the king.

Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are mad; your great learning is turning you mad." But Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time you’ll have me being a Christian!" And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am - except for these chains." Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them; and when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, "This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment." And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

 1 Thessalonians 5:11-16. Paul’s words encourage his community to work well together and while he advises them to help those who are struggling, they are to be patient with each other and not push each other too hard. That is what being moderate is all about.

Encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Respect those who work among you and teach you God’s way. Respect them and honour them because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves and we urge you to remind the lazy ones, encourage the hesitant ones, help the weak ones and be patient with them all. Above all be happy. ORDERLINESS  Ecclesiaticus 16:26-30 The scribe meditates on God’s creation and on how everything is arranged and ordered by God so well. God draws order out of chaos and we, made in God’s image and likeness share God’s task of ordering our things and even the way we live our lives so that everything isn’t chaotic around us.

The works of the Lord have existed from the beginning. He arranged them in an eternal order, from their beginnings to their ends; they neither hunger nor grow weary, and they do not cease from their labors. The Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with good things.

 2Thessalonians 3:11-12 Lots of members of the Christian community at Thessalonica were getting excited about the Second Coming of Jesus and a few of them had given up their jobs and were going around making nuisances of themselves. Paul writes to ask them to steady down and behave in a quiet and orderly way.

We hear that some of you are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. We call on such persons and command them in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

 Colossians 2:5-7 Another of the early communities, the one in Corinth, was living up to Paul’s hopes, living their lives rooted in the Good News of Jesus. He praises them for their faith and good order.

Though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and full of thanksgiving.

PATIENCE  Job 42:1-3, 5-6 Job is often thought of as the great example in the Bible of patience but this is not really true. He struggles to understand why things have gone so wrong for him. Read his story in a Bible story book. In the end he finds peace and patience and says this beautiful prayer.

“I know that you Lord, are all-powerful: what you conceive, you can perform. I am the man who muddled your designs with my empty-headed words. I have been holding forth on matters I cannot understand, on marvels beyond me and my knowledge . . . I once knew you only by hearsay; but now, having seen you with my own eyes, I retract all I have said, and in dust and ashes I repent."

 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Patience is the very first word Paul chooses to describe the virtue of love. Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud, it is not rude. It is not self-seeking nor easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth.

 James 5:7-9 James uses the image of a farmer waiting for his crops to grow as he asks his community to wait and watch patiently for the coming again of the Lord. He asks them to be careful not to grumble and complain in the meantime.

Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the autumn and the spring rain. You too must be patient. Steady your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble and complain about each other, so that you may not be judged; for behold, the Judge is standing at the doors.

PEACEFULNESS  Psalm 122:6-9 A prayer for peace both in Jerusalem and among each other. Jerusalem is both a real city in Israel and a symbol of the whole community of faithful people. These words speak about praying for peace – asking God to give it and working for peace – We need to do both. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they prosper who love you! May peace be within your walls, and security within your towers!" For the sake of my friends and companions I will say, "Peace be within you!" For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.

Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah was one of the great prophets of Israel. In this verse which is read at Christmas time, he speaks of the coming of a Messiah a great leader and saviour who will lead people in the way of peace. Christians believe Jesus to be this Messiah.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

John 14:27-29 Jesus at the last supper leaves his disciples with the blessing of his own personal peace which is not just the absence of fighting or arguing but a really deep inner peace that can survive any sort of outer conflict, division or hate. We share this peace because we belong to Christ. We don’t have to fight back, get even or argue because we can draw on Jesus’ gift of peace to us.

Peace I leave with you; my own peace I give to you; a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, `I am going away, but I shall return to you’…. I have told you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may believe.

PURPOSEFULNESS  Mark 12:28-31 While Jesus and some of the leaders were talking and arguing in Jerusalem one of the scribes asked him a question about the most important commandment. Jesus answer sums up the whole purpose of life. One of the scribes came up and heard them arguing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, they asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, `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.' The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

 John 10:10 In one single simple sentence Jesus explains the purpose of his coming into the world. I came that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 Acts 20:18-24 Paul the Apostle outlines his purpose in life to his listeners before setting off to Jerusalem and tells them that nothing else matters much to him except this one great purpose.

You yourselves know what my way of life has been ever since the day I set foot among you, serving the Lord through all the trials which befell me. You know how I never hesitated to do anything which would be helpful to you; I have preached to you and taught you in public and in your homes, urging all of you to turn to God and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall happen to me there; except that the Holy Spirit has made it clear that imprisonment and difficulties await me. But I do not count my life as precious, if only I finish my race and carry out the mission that Jesus gave me - to bear witness to the gospel.

RELIABILITY  1 Samuel 16:15-23 Saul, the first king of Israel suffered from terrible depression and anxiety (they are called evil spirits in the Bible) from time to time. His attendants arranged for David a shepherd boy, skilled at playing the harp to become his attendant. From then on David could be relied onto be at Saul’s when he was disturbed, to play to him and soothe him. King Saul’s servants seeing how upset the king was said to him, "An evil spirit is causing your distress. Why don’t you let us seek out someone who is skilful at playing the harp; and when the terror is upon you, he will play and you will feel better." So Saul said to his servants, "Find me someone who can play well, and bring him to me." One of the young men answered, " I have seen David, a son of Jesse of Bethlehem, who is skilful in playing. He is a skilled musician and a pleasant youngster. Also, he has in him the makings of a fine warrior and the Lord is with him. So King Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, "Send me David your son, who is with the sheep." His father Jesse agreed and David came to Saul, and entered his service. Saul grew to love him dearly and David became his armour-bearer. And whenever the King suffered torments and anxiety, David took the harp and played it so that Saul was refreshed and soothed and the evil spirit departed from him.

 1 Chronicles 16:31-34 This song of praise calls on the whole earth to praise God on whom everything that exists relies. We rely on the earth for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the clothes we wear and lots more but the whole earth and all the universe relies on God. God is the only truly reliable one.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!" Let the sea roar, and all that fills it, let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall the trees of the wood sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. O give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!

 Matthew 21:28-31 Jesus tells the story of a father with two sons. Which is the reliable one? "What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, `Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, `I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, `I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?"

RESPECT  Mark 5:22-24;36-42 Respect can be treating people kindly and decently because they are human beings; it can be acknowledging that another person has special gifts and abilities and it can be a feeling of reverence and admiration for the character or actions of another. All these aspects of respect are present in this story of Jesus and his curing of the little daughter of Jairus. Jesus shows respect for the little girl. Jairus shows respect for Jesus’ reputation and the crowds of people are moved to respect by Jesus’ actions. When do you show respect?

Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, and begged, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." And he went with him…. Then there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi"; which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were overcome with amazement.

 John 6:67-69 After many of his disciples left him, Jesus asks his closest friends if they also wish to go too. Peter responds with act of faith and with simple respect for who Jesus was – the Holy One of God. Jesus said to the twelve apostles, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

 Luke 4:16-22 To be respected is to be spoken well off. Jesus speaks in the synagogue and his words are so moving that everyone listens carefully and respects what he says.

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the Sabbath day. And he stood up to read; and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which he spoke.

RESPONSIBILITY  1 Samuel 16:4-13 When Samuel comes to anoint the boy David king of Israel, he finds the boy out in charge of his father’s flocks. He is already learning responsibility, responsibility he will need when he becomes King of Israel.

God said to Samuel, " Fill your horn with oil, and go; I will send you to Jesse of Bethlehem for I have chosen a king from among his sons." Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me." The Lord said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, `I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me him whom I name to you." So Samuel set off for Bethlehem to anoint a new king for Israel. The Jesse and other elders of the city came to meet him, and said, "Do you come in peace?" Samuel said, "I have come in peace to sacrifice to the Lord; consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice." And he consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked at Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son and thought, "Surely that is the Lord’s anointed." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Take no notice of his height and appearance because I have not chosen him, for the Lord sees not as humans see; they look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." Then Jesse called his next son and his next but the Lord made known to Samuel that none of them was the one he had chosen." Finally all seven sons of Jesse had come before Samuel but Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." So Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" Samuel replied, "There is still the youngest but he is out in the fields looking after the sheep." Samuel said to Jesse, "Fetch him in, we will not sit down till he comes here." So Jesse sent for his youngest son and the boy came in. He was a boy of fresh complexion, with fine eyes and pleasant bearing. The Lord said to Samuel, "Arise, anoint him; for this is the one." So Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed David in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord seized upon David and stayed with him from that day forward.

 Matthew 2:19-23 Joseph was responsible for the safety and well-being of the child Jesus and Mary his mother.

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth."

 Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus entrusts the responsibility for announcing the good news to his disciples and all who will come after them. He promises to be with them (and us) until the end of time. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

SELF DISCIPLINE  Luke 4:1-4 Though Jesus is terribly hungry he contols himself whe he is tempted always doing what he knows is right. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was very hungry. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.”’

 John 18:3-11Rather than running or lashing out at the soldiers who come to arrest him, Jesus simply gives his name and requests that the others be let go. When Simon Peter gets angry, Jesus corrects him and calmly announces that he must do what he has been born to do. Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, ‘For whom are you looking?’ 5They answered, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus * replied, ‘I am he.’ Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he’, they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7Again he asked * them, ‘For whom are you looking?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ 8Jesus answered, ‘I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.’ Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. 11Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?’

 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Timothy, a young Christian is reminded that God’s gifts include a spirit of power and love and self control. We don’t have to be run by our feelings. Rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of hands; for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self- control.

SERVICE

 Mark 1:29-31 After Jesus heals Peter’s mother in law, the very first thing she does is get up and begin to serve him and the others.

Jesus left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she began to serve them.

 Matthew 20: 25-28 Jesus tells his disciples how important it is that they serve one another and how this is especially important for people in leadership positions.

Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

 Psalm 100 One of the most famous psalms calling on us to serve God. To serve God means to do what God has asked of us and to thank and praise Him as this psalm does. ’ Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord is God! our maker to whom we belong; our shepherd and we the flock. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with songs of praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generationsc

STEADFASTNESS  Psalm 138:1-4 This psalm sings of the steadfastness of God – the only truly trustworthy source of human strength.

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the angels I sing your praise; I bow before you and thank you for your steadfast love and your faithfulness. Your name and your word are greater than everything that exists. On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength.

 John 10:11-16 Jesus compares his steadfast faithful love for people to the love and faithfulness a good shepherd has for his sheep. He does not abandon them in bad times.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.

 1 Cor 15:58 We also are called to be steadfast in imitation of Jesus our leader. Therefore, my beloved sisters and brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your work is not in vain.

TACT  Genesis 18:25-32 This gently humorous account of Abraham bargaining with God over the fate of a city is an example of tactful politeness and persuasion.

Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Approaching Him he said, "Are you really going to destroy the just man with the sinner? Perhaps there are fifty just men in the town. Will you overwhelm them, will you not spare the place for the fifty just men in it? Do not think of doing such a thing: to kill the just man with the sinner, treating just and sinner alike! Do not think of it! Will the judge of the whole earth not administer justice?" The Lord replied, "If at Sodom, I find fifty just men in the town, I will spare the whole place because of them." Abraham replied, " I am bold indeed to speak like this to the Lord, I who am dust and ashes. But perhaps the fifty men just lack five: will you destroy the whole city for five?" "No," He replied, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five just men there." Again Abraham said to him ‘Perhaps there will only be forty there’. “I will not do it ‘ he replied, for the sake of the forty.’ Abraham said, "I trust my Lord will not be angry, but give me leave to speak: perhaps there will only be thirty there." "I will not do it" he replied "if I find thirty there." Abraham said "I bold indeed to speak like this, but perhaps there will be only twenty there." "I will not destroy it" he replied "for the sake of the twenty." He said "I trust my Lord will not be angry if I speak once more: perhaps there will only be ten. "I will not destroy the city" the Lord replied, "for the sake of the ten."

 John 8:2-11. Jesus refuses to either condemn or embarrass a woman discovered with a man not her husband. He shows both compassion, wisdom and tact. He does not even raise his eyes to look at her until all the others have gone away.

Early in the morning he came again to the temple; all the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught with a man not her husband, and placing her in the midst they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught going with another man.] Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such people. What do you say about her?" This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And once more he bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus looked up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again."

 John 20:19-21 The most tactful moment between Jesus and his disciples is the moment after his resurrection when he comes to his frightened disciples locked in an upper room. He does not reproach or chide them for their denial and desertion of him during his passion. His words were not “Why did you run away?” “Why did you deny me?’ “How could you do that to me” but simply “Peace be with you”. On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord and Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you”.

THANKFULNESS  Jonah 2 Read the story of how and why Jonah the prophet found himself inside the belly of a whale and you will understand his thankful prayer. Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the belly of the whale, and the Lord spoke to the whale, and it heaved Jonah out upon the dry land. Then Jonah praised God, saying, "I called to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; For Iwas cast me into the deep sea, and the flood was all around about me; all the waves and billowed over me. I said, `I am cast out from your presence Lord; how shall I again look upon your holy temple?' The waters closed over my head, the deep was round about me; weeds were wrapped about my head but you rescued me Lord, and saved my life. With thanksgiving I proclaim, ‘Deliverance belongs to the Lord!’

 Mark 8:1-8 Jesus and his disciples would never have eaten without remembering that food is a symbol of life (without it we would die) and a gift from God. In this story, Jesus gives thanks to God before feeding a large crowd. In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come a long way." And his disciples answered him, "How can one feed these men with bread here in the desert?" And he asked them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven." And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. And they had a few small fish; and having blessed them, he commanded that these also should be set before them. And they ate, and were satisfied; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.

 Luke 17:11-19 Sometimes we are quick to ask a favour but slow to remember to say thank-you. Remembering to say thanks is important both for ourselves and for the person we are thanking.

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well." TOLERANCE  Luke 6: 36-37 Jesus teaching his disciples warns them to be merciful and not to pass judgments on other people. This is the basis of being tolerant. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.

 Matthew 13:24-30 This little story shows us that sometimes we will recognise wrong things (weeds) in ourselves or other people but Jesus says be patient with ourselves and tolerant with others and leave it to him to sort things out in the end.

"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the householder came and said to him, `Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' He said to them, `An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, `Then do you want us to go and gather them?' But he said, `No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reaper, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

 Galatians3:27-28 Paul writes to a community of Christians reminding them that their baptism makes each of them absolutely equal in dignity.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

TRUSTWORTHINESS  Luke 12:42-44 How do we behave when no-one is looking? Can we be trusted to behave well when no-one is taking notice of our actions. Jesus contrasts a trustworthy steward with an unreliable one.

What sort of steward is faithful and wise enough to be left in charge of the household to keep everything n order and provide meals at the proper times? Blessed is the trustworthy steward whom his master finds doing just that when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if the steward says to himself, `My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the servants and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that steward will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him severely.

 Matthew 25:14-28 Jesus tells another story, hoping to show us that it is important to use well the gifts and talents we have been entrusted with.(In this story of course talents are currency.) Jesus told this parable, A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been trustworthy over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been trustworthy over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, `You bad and lazy servant! So you knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then at least you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents

TRUTHFULNESS  John.14:1,2,5,6a In these words at the last supper with his disciples, Jesus assures his disciples that he is ‘the way, the truth and the life’. If we want to know what is true – listen to him, he is truth.

"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life”.

 Acts 5:1-5 This is a story of untruthfulness - a lying and deceitful action in the early Christian communities. Ananias and Sapphira two early Christians sell some of their property and pretend to give the whole proceeds to the apostles while keeping some money back. It is not the keeping back of part of the money that was wrong but lying about it.

A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles' feet. Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."  1 John.2:1,3-4 John points out to his community and to us, that it is no good just saying we know Jesus. If we do not keep his commandments our lives show that what we say with our lips is untrue.

My little children, we may be sure that we know Jesus, if we keep his commandments. Those who say "I know him" but disobey his commandments are not speaking the truth, the truth is not in them, but whoever keeps his word, the love of God is complete in them.

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