O' Give Thanks to Our God

For just as through one man’s disobedience [his failure to hear, his carelessness] the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteous and acceptable to God and brought into right standing with Him. But the Law came to increase and expand [the awareness of] the trespass [by defining and unmasking sin]. But where sin increased, [God’s remarkable, gracious gift of] grace [His unmerited favor] has surpassed it and increased all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness which brings eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:19-21) "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory (vanquished forever). O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

For His lovingkindness (graciousness, mercy, compassion) endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods,

For His lovingkindness endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

For His lovingkindness endures forever.

To Him who alone does great wonders,

For His lovingkindness endures forever;

To Him who made the heavens with skill,

For His lovingkindness endures forever;

To Him who stretched out the earth upon the waters,

For His lovingkindness endures forever;

To Him who made the great lights,

For His lovingkindness endures forever;

The sun to rule over the day,

For His lovingkindness endures forever;

The moon and stars to rule by night,

For His lovingkindness endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-9) Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing--without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality. (Romans 12:9-12)