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Increase

I like the word “increase.” Of course, it makes a difference what it is referring to. Here are a few references from the Bible. I will start with negative-sounding phrases:

Genesis 3:16: “I will greatly increase your pains.”
Proverbs 22:16: “One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth…”
Matthew 24:12: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Now for the blessings:

Isaiah 9:7: “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”
Acts 12:24: “But the word of God continued to increase.”
Acts 6:7: “The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly.”
Romans 5:20: “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

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