1 Thessalonians
5
- Now, brothers, about times and dates we
do not need to write to you,
- for you know very well that the day of the
Lord will come like a thief in the night.
- 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.
- But you, brothers, are not in darkness so
that this day should surprise you like a thief.
- You are all sons of the light and sons of
the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
- So then, let us not be like others, who
are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
- For those who sleep, sleep at night, and
those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
- 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.
- For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath
but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- He died for us so that, whether we are awake
or asleep, we may live together with him.
- Therefore encourage one another and build
each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
- Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those
who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
- Hold them in the highest regard in love
because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
- And we urge you, brothers, warn those who
are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
- Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for
wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
- Be joyful always;
- pray continually;
- give thanks in all circumstances, for this
is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
- Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
- do not treat prophecies with contempt.
- Test everything. Hold on to the good.
- Avoid every kind of evil.
- 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.
- The one who calls you is faithful and he
will do it.
- Brothers, pray for us.
- Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
- I charge you before the Lord to have this
letter read to all the brothers.
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you.
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