5:1   Now you do not need to have anything written to you about times and dates, brothers,

5:2   for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

5:3   When people say, "There is peace and security," destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pains come to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape.

5:4   However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the day might surprise you like a thief.

5:5   For all of you are children of light and children of day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.

5:6   Therefore, let us not fall asleep like others do, but let us stay awake and be sober.

5:7   For people who go to sleep, go to sleep at night; and people who get drunk, get drunk at night.

5:8   But since we belong to the day, let us be sober. We must put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

5:9   For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

5:10   who died for us in order that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

5:11   So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing.

5:12   Brothers, we ask you to show your appreciation for those who work among you, set an example for you in the Lord, and instruct you.

5:13   Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

5:14   We urge you, brothers, to instruct those who are idle, cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

5:15   Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil. Instead, always pursue what is good for each other and for everyone else.

5:16   Always be joyful.

5:17   Continually be prayerful.

5:18   In everything be thankful, because this is God's will in Christ Jesus for you.

5:19   Do not put out the Spirit's fire.

5:20   Do not despise prophecies.

5:21   Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good,

5:22   but keep away from every kind of evil.

5:23   May the God of peace himself make you holy in every way. And may your whole being-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 this.

5:25   Brothers, pray for us.

5:26   Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

5:27   I order you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

5:28   May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen.