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^1 (C1)Working together with Him, ^(C2)we strongly urge you not to receive ^(C3)God's grace in vain by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness.² For He says,

"^(C1)AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME (the time of grace) I LISTENED TO YOU,
AND I HELPED YOU ON THE DAY OF SALVATION."
Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION"— ^(VR1)

^11 (C1)We are speaking freely to you, Corinthians we are keeping nothing back, and our ^(C2)heart is opened wide. ^(VR1)12 There is no limit to our affection for you, but ^(C1)you are limited in your own affection for us.¹³ Now in ^(C1)the same way as a fair exchange for our love toward you—I am speaking as I would to ^(C2)children—open wide your hearts to us also.

^14 (C1)Do not be unequally bound together with ^(C2)unbelievers do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith. For what ^(C3)partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?¹⁵ What ^(C1)harmony can there be between Christ and Belial (Satan)? Or what does a ^(C2)believer have in common with an ^(C3)unbeliever?^16 (C1)What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are ^(C2)the temple of ^(C3)the living God; just as God said:

"^(C4)I WILL ^(C5)DWELL AMONG THEM AND ^(C6)WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. ^(VR1)

¹⁷ "^(C1)So ^(C2)COME OUT FROM AMONG UNBELIEVERS AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord,
"AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will graciously receive you and welcome you with favor, ^(VR1)

^18 (C1)And I will be a Father to you,
And you will be ^(C2)My sons and daughters,"
Says the Lord Almighty. ^(VR1)