1We then, as⚓workers together withHim also ⚓plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2For He says: ⚓“In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3⚓We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4But in all things we commend ourselves ⚓as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5⚓in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7⚓by the word of truth, by ⚓the power of God, by ⚓the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9as unknown, and ⚓yet well known; ⚓as dying, and behold we live; ⚓as chastened, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many ⚓rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Be Holy
11O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, ⚓our heart is wide open. 12You are not restricted by us, but ⚓you are restricted by your own affections. 13Now in return for the same ⚓(I speak as to children), you also be open. 14⚓Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For ⚓what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For ⚓you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ⚓“I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” 17Therefore ⚓“Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18“I ⚓will be a Father to you, And you shall be My ⚓sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”