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