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. |