For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. We love because he first loved us.