"And when he comeshome,he calls togetherhis friendsand his neighbors,sayingto them, 'Rejoicewith me, for I have foundmy sheepwhich was lost!'
I have goneastraylike a lostsheep;seekYour servant,For I do not forgetYour commandments.
Her neighborsand her relativesheardthat the Lordhad displayed His greatmercytowardher; and they were rejoicingwith her.
"In the same way,I tellyou, there is joyin the presenceof the angelsof Godoveronesinnerwho repents."
for thissonof minewas deadand has come to life again;he was lostand has been found.'And they beganto celebrate.
"When he has foundit, he laysit on his shoulders,rejoicing.
"I tellyou that in the same way,there will be [more] joyin heavenoveronesinnerwho repentsthanoverninety-ninerighteous personswhoneednorepentance.
"You are My friendsifyou dowhatI commandyou.
"He who hasthe brideis the bridegroom;but the friendof the bridegroom,who standsand hearshim, rejoicesgreatlybecauseof the bridegroom'svoice.Sothisjoyof minehas been made full.
Then when he arrivedand witnessedthe graceof God,he rejoicedand [began] to encouragethem allwith resoluteheartto remain[true] to the Lord;
Therefore,being sent on their wayby the church,they were passing throughbothPhoeniciaand Samaria,describing in detailthe conversionof the Gentiles,and were bringinggreatjoyto allthe brethren.
alwaysofferingprayerwith joyin my everyprayerfor you all,
But evenifI am being poured out as a drink offeringupon the sacrificeand serviceof your faith,I rejoiceand share my joywith you all.
Therefore,my belovedbrethrenwhom I long[to see], my joyand crown,in this waystand firmin the Lord,my beloved.
For whois our hopeorjoyorcrownof exultation?Is it not evenyou, in the presenceof our LordJesusat His coming?
for you oncewere NOT A PEOPLE,but nowyou are THE PEOPLEOF GOD;you had NOT RECEIVEDMERCY,but nowyou have RECEIVED MERCY.
For you were continually strayinglikesheep,but nowyou have returnedto the Shepherdand Guardianof your souls.
