^7 (A)The end of all things is at hand; therefore ^(B)be self-controlled and sober-minded ^(C)for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since ^(D)love covers a multitude of sins. ^9 (E)Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ^10 (F)As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, ^(G)as good stewards of God's varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks ^(H)oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves ^(I)by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything ^(J)God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. ^(K)To him belong glory and ^(L)dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and ^(A)sin which clings so closely, and ^(B)let us run ^(C)with endurance the race that is ^(D)set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, ^(E)who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising ^(F)the shame, and ^(G)is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

²⁴ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him ^(A)deny himself and ^(B)take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵ For ^(C)whoever would save his life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ²⁶ For ^(D)what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or ^(E)what shall a man give in return for his soul?