To become kind, practice kindness; to become ethical, practice ethical behavior; to become holy, practice holiness. This is my job daily, hourly, minute-by-minute. At the same time, there will be failure, but failure tells me to move on in repentance.
I have known many people who are good, ethical people, but they will say bluntly that they do not know our G-d. However, there are no good works that can commend me to the Father. All that I ever do that may be called "good" must be the result of a changed life through the blood of the risen Savior.
Seek good and kind people; assemble with those who love both peace and justice.
◌ "It is the nature of human beings to be influenced in their opinions and actions by their friends and neighbors. . . . Therefore, a person should strive to become friendly with righteous people, and to stay in the presence of those who are wise" Maimonides in Laws of Character Development 6:1
◌ "Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers" Psalm 1:1, 2
◌ "Try to live up to the reputation you aspire to." ~~ Joseph Telushkin
◌ "See every act you do as being of great significance." ~~ Joseph Telushkin
◌ Push the ethics pendulum hard to the extreme, until you learn where the middle is.
◌ Avoid sins that seem minor because "One sin will lead to another" ~~ Ethics of the Fathers 4:2
Read 1 Kings 21. Ahab's violation of Word 10 led to violation of Word 9, then violation of Word 6, followed by violation of Word 8.
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