2 Corinthians 6
The apostle urges the Corinthians not to waste the gift of God's salvation and to live as ministers of God, enduring hardships and difficulties with patience and integrity. He encourages them to be open and sincere in their relationships, and to separate themselves from unbelievers and unclean things. The apostle reminds them that they are the temple of the living God and should not be joined with idols or darkness. He calls them to depart from the unclean and be separate, promising that God will accept them as sons and daughters if they do so.
1But, as a help to you, we exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain2For he says: "In a favorable time, I heeded you; and on the day of salvation, I helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation3May we never give offense to anyone, so that our ministry may not be disparaged4But in all things, let us exhibit ourselves as ministers of God with great patience: through tribulation, difficulties, and distress5despite wounds, imprisonment, and rebellion; with hard work, vigilance, and fasting6by chastity, knowledge, and longsuffering; in pleasantness, in the Holy Spirit, and in unfeigned charity7with the Word of truth, with the power of God, and with the armor of justice to the right and to the left8through honor and dishonor, despite good reports and bad, whether seen as deceivers or truth-tellers, whether ignored or acknowledged9as if dying and yet truly alive; as if chastised and yet not subdued10as if sorrowful and yet always rejoicing; as if needy and yet enriching many; as if having nothing and possessing everything11Our mouth is open to you, O Corinthians; our heart is enlarged12You are not narrowed by us, but it is by your own inner selves that you are narrowed13But since we have the same recompense, (I am speaking as if to my own sons), you, too, should be enlarged14Do not choose to bear the yoke with unbelievers. For how can justice be a participant with iniquity? Or how can the fellowship of light be a participant with darkness15And how can Christ join together with Belial? Or what part do the faithful have with the unfaithful16And what consensus does the temple of God have with idols? For you are the temple of the living God, just as God says: "I will dwell with them, and I will walk among them. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people17Because of this, you must depart from their midst and be separate, says the Lord. And do not touch what is unclean18Then I will accept you. And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.
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