I wanted to put together some verses, covering a variety of subjects, which all have a common denominator according to Scripture. It should help us to see that at the very core, it’s all a matter of the heart:

Defilement…

Matthew 15:11 (HCSB)
It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.

Law fulfillment…

Romans 13:8 (HCSB)
Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:10 (HCSB)
Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.

Galatians 5:14 (HCSB)
For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Galatians 6:2 (HCSB)
Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Giving to the poor…

Luke 11:41 (HCSB)
But give from what is within to the poor, and then everything is clean for you.

Fasting…

Isaiah 58:6 (HCSB)
Isn’t the fast I choose:
To break the chains of wickedness,
to untie the ropes of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free,
and to tear off every yoke?

How the world knows that we are Christians…

John 13:35 (HCSB)
By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

Why the world might believe…

John 17:20-21 (HCSB)
I pray not only for these,
but also for those who believe in Me
through their message.
May they all be one,
as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You.
May they also be one in Us,
so the world may believe You sent Me.

Atonement…

Proverbs 16:6 (HCSB)
Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,
and one turns from evil by the fear of the LORD.

What God desires…

Psalms 51:17 (HCSB)
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit.
God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.

Hosea 6:6 (HCSB)
For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Godspeed, to the brethren!

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