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The Day of the Lord

¹ About the times and the seasons:^(C1) Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord^(C1) will come just like a thief^(C2) in the night. ³ When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction^(C1) will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief.^{(C1) 5} For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness.^{(C1) 6} So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled^(C1) and put on the armor^(C2) of faith and love, and a helmet^(C3) of the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord^(C1) Jesus Christ,^{(C2) 10} who died for us,^(C1) so that whether we are awake or asleep,^(C2) we may live together with him.^{(C3) 11} Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Exhortations and Blessings

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition^(C1) to those who labor among you and lead you^(F1) in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace^(C1) among yourselves. ¹⁴ And we exhort you, brothers and sisters:^(C1) warn those who are idle,^(F1) comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient^(C2) with everyone. ¹⁵ See to it that no one repays evil for evil^(C1) to anyone,^(C2) but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.^{(C3) 16} Rejoice^(C1) always, ¹⁷ pray constantly, ¹⁸ give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will^(C1) for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Don’t stifle the Spirit. ²⁰ Don’t despise prophecies, ²¹ but test all things.^(C1) Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away^(C1) from every kind of evil.

²³ Now may the God of peace^(C1) himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit,^(C2) soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming^(C3) of our Lord^(C4) Jesus Christ.^{(C5) 24} He who calls^(C1) you^(C2) is faithful; he will do it. ²⁵ Brothers and sisters, pray for us also. ²⁶ Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters.^{(C1) 28} The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.