Gnostic Texts 1

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Do not harbour bitterness, envy and selfishness in your hearts, for such things do not come down from heaven, but are earthly, unspiritual, of the Devil. For where you have envy and selfishness, there you will find disorder and every evil practice.

Do not be adulterous in the spirit that God caused to live in you, don't you know that friendship with the earth is enmity towards God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the earth becomes an enemy of God. Therefore, keep yourselves from being polluted by the earth, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word [of God] planted in you, which can save you.

Consider it beneficial, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (If any of you lacks wisdom, he or she should ask God to give it generously, and it will be given to them. If any one of you is in trouble, they should pray. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. God chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

When tempted, no-one should say that, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by their own evil desire, they are dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

Do not merely listen to the word planted in yourselves, do what it says. The one who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it, will be blessed.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Anyone, then, who knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

How can you show me faith, except by deeds? You can claim that there is but one true God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder.

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Notes

The name Gabriel means "messenger of God" (Hebrew) or "man of God" (Greek) or "God is my strength." It can be both a male and a female name.

Gospel means "good news."

Angel means "messenger."

Gnosis means "insight."

Reference

Gideons International,  "The New Testament and Psalms," New International Version (NIV), Lutterworth.