The Pleasant Way...

My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous [the upright, the just One, who conforms to the Father’s will in every way--purpose, thought, and action]. And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature--our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world. And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings). Whoever says, “I have come to know Him,” but does not habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings), is a liar, and the truth [of the divine word] is not in him. But whoever habitually keeps His word and obeys His precepts [and treasures His message in its entirety], in him the love of God has truly been perfected [it is completed and has reached maturity]. By this we know [for certain] that we are in Him: whoever says he lives in Christ [that is, whoever says he has accepted Him as God and Savior] ought [as a moral obligation] to walk and conduct himself just as He walked and conducted Himself. (1 John 2:1-6) Come, you children, listen to me;

I will teach you to fear the LORD [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience].

Who is the man who desires life

And loves many days, that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil

And your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn away from evil and do good;

Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:11-14)

Continually pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. (Proverbs 1:7) [I always pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation [that gives you a deep and personal and intimate insight] into the true knowledge of Him [for we know the Father through the Son]. (Ephesians 1:17) The LORD gives [skillful and godly] wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him];

He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character and moral courage],

He guards the paths of justice;

And He preserves the way of His saints (believers).

Then you will understand righteousness and justice [in every circumstance]

And integrity and every good path. For [skillful and godly] wisdom will enter your heart

And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. (Proverbs 2:6-10)