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¹ Now you do not need to have anything written to you about times and dates, brothers,[xr] ² for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.[xr] ³ When people[fn] say, "There is peace and security," destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pains come[fn] to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape.[xr] ⁴ However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the day might surprise you like a thief.[xr] ⁵ For all of you are children of light and children of day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.[xr]

⁶ Therefore, let us not fall asleep like others do, but let us stay awake and be sober.[xr] ⁷ For people who go to sleep, go to sleep at night; and people who get drunk, get drunk at night.[xr] 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.[xr] ⁹ For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,[xr] ¹⁰ who died for us in order that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.[xr]

¹¹ So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing.[xr] 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[fn] you.[xr] ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.[xr] ¹⁴ We urge you, brothers, to instruct[fn] those who are idle,[fn] cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.[xr] ¹⁵ Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil. Instead, always pursue what is good for each other and for everyone else.[xr]

¹⁶ Always be joyful.[xr] ¹⁷ Continually be prayerful.[xr] ¹⁸ In everything be thankful, because this is God's will in Christ Jesus for you.[xr] ¹⁹ Do not put out the Spirit's fire.[fn][xr] ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies.[xr] ²¹ Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good,[xr] ²² but keep away from every kind of evil.[xr]

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.[xr] ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.[xr] ²⁵ Brothers, pray[fn] for us.[xr] ²⁶ Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.[xr] ²⁷ I order you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.[xr] ²⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen.[fn][xr]