5:1 | Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, |
5:2 | for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. |
5:3 | While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
5:4 | But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. |
5:5 | You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. |
5:6 | So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. |
5:7 | For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. |
5:8 | But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. |
5:9 | For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
5:10 | He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. |
5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. |
5:12 | Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. |
5:13 | Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. |
5:14 | And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. |
5:15 | Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. |
5:16 | Be joyful always; |
5:17 | pray continually; |
5:18 | give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. |
5:19 | Do not put out the Spirit's fire; |
5:20 | do not treat prophecies with contempt. |
5:21 | Test everything. Hold on to the good. |
5:22 | Avoid every kind of evil. |
5:23 | May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
5:24 | The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. |
5:25 | Brothers, pray for us. |
5:26 | Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. |
5:27 | I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. |
5:28 | The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. |
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