Reuben also said to them, "Don't shed blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but don't lay a hand on him"-- intending to rescue him from their hands and return him to his father.

Then they said to each other, "It is plain that we are being punished for what we did to our brother. We saw his deep distress when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this trouble has come to us."

But Reuben replied: "Didn't I tell you not to harm the boy? But you wouldn't listen. Now we must account for his blood!"

[A Davidic song of ascents.] How good and pleasant it is when brothers can live together!

It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has appointed the blessing-- life forevermore.

"I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.

By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness.

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal.

Everyone should look out not [only] for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must [forgive].

and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.