[1] Working together, we entreat also that you not receive the grace of God
in vain, [2] for he says, "At an acceptable time I listened to you, In a
day of salvation I helped you." Behold, now is the acceptable time.
Behold, now is the day of salvation. [3] We give no occasion of stumbling
in anything, that our service may not be blamed, [4] but in everything
commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in
afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, [5] in beatings, in
imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; [6] in
pureness, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in
sincere love, [7] in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor
of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, [8] by glory and
dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; [9]
as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished,
and not killed; [10] as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet
making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. [11]
Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged. [12] You are
not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. [13]
Now in return, I speak as to my children, you also be enlarged. [14] Don`t
be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness
and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness? [15] What
agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what portion has a believer with an
unbeliever? [16] What agreement has a temple of God with idols? For you are
a temple of the living God. Even as God said, "I will dwell in them, and
walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people." [17]
Therefore, "`Come out from among them, And be separate,` says the Lord,
`Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you. [18] I will be to you a
Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,` says the Lord
Almighty."
