In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent.

In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents."

For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.' And so the feasting began.

Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!"

Rejoice with Jerusalem; be glad for her, all you that love this city! Rejoice with her now, all you that have mourned for her!

You will enjoy her prosperity, like a child at its mother's breast.

The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom's friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom's voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete.

And you are my friends if you do what I command you.

When he arrived and saw how God had blessed the people, he was glad and urged them all to be faithful and true to the Lord with all their hearts.

They were sent on their way by the church; and as they went through Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported how the Gentiles had turned to God; this news brought great joy to all the believers.

and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy

Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all.

So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!---this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord.

After all, it is you---you, no less than others!---who are our hope, our joy, and our reason for boasting of our victory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes.

So, in all our trouble and suffering we have been encouraged about you, friends. It was your faith that encouraged us,

Now we can give thanks to our God for you. We thank him for the joy we have in his presence because of you.

I wander about like a lost sheep; so come and look for me, your servant, because I have not neglected your laws.

At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy.

You were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls.