[1] Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace
of God in vain. [2] For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to
you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable
time; behold, now is the day of salvation. [3] We put no obstacle in any
one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, [4] but as
servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance,
in afflictions, hardships, calamities, [5] beatings, imprisonments,
tumults, labors, watching, hunger; [6] by purity, knowledge, forbearance,
kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, [7] truthful speech, and the power
of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the
left; [8] in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are
treated as impostors, and yet are true; [9] as unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; [10] as
sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having
nothing, and yet possessing everything. [11] Our mouth is open to you,
Corinthians; our heart is wide. [12] You are not restricted by us, but you
are restricted in your own affections. [13] In return--I speak as to
children--widen your hearts also. [14] Do not be mismated with unbelievers.
For what partnership have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship
has light with darkness? [15] What accord has Christ with Be'lial? Or what
has a believer in common with an unbeliever? [16] What agreement has the
temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God
said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. [17] Therefore come out from them, and be
separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will
welcome you, [18] and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons
and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
