5:1   I don't need to write you about the time or date when all this will happen.

5:2   You surely know that the Lord's return will be as a thief coming at night.

5:3   People will think they are safe and secure. But destruction will suddenly strike them like the pains of a woman about to give birth. And they won't escape.

5:4   My dear friends, you don't live in darkness, and so that day won't surprise you like a thief.

5:5   You belong to the light and live in the day. We don't live in the night or belong to the dark.

5:6   Others may sleep, but we should stay awake and be alert.

5:7   People sleep during the night, and some even get drunk.

5:8   But we belong to the day. So we must stay sober and let our faith and love be like a suit of armor. Our firm hope that we will be saved is our helmet.

5:9   God doesn't intend to punish us, but wants us to be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:10   Christ died for us, so that we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.

5:11   That's why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.

5:12   My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord.

5:13   Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other.

5:14   My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn't living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.

5:15   Don't be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.

5:16   Always be joyful

5:17   and never stop praying.

5:18   Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

5:19   Don't turn away God's Spirit

5:20   or ignore prophecies.

5:21   Put everything to the test. Accept what is good

5:22   and don't have anything to do with evil.

5:23   I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.

5:24   The one who chose you can be trusted, and he will do this.

5:25   Friends, please pray for us.

5:26   Give the Lord's followers a warm greeting.

5:27   In the name of the Lord I beg you to read this letter to all his followers.

5:28   I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you!