 1 Family+, you have no need that I write to you about the times and the seasons. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 For when they say: Peace and safety, then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor+ upon a woman with child. And they will not escape. 4 But you, family+, are not in darkness so that that day should overtake you like a thief. 5 You are all children of light and children of the day. We are not of the night or darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night. And those who get drunk, get drunk in the night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith, and love and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore, comfort yourselves together and edify one another, just as you are already doing. 12 We urge you family+, to know those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you. 13 Esteem them very highly in love for the sake of their work. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you family+: Warn those who are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, and be patient toward all people. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone+, but always+ follow what is good, both among yourselves and toward all people. 16 Rejoice forever. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything, give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Prove all things. Hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 The God of peace Himself will sanctify you wholly so that your whole spirit and soul and body will be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful and He will perform+ it. 25 Family+, pray for us. 26 Greet all the family+ with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy family+. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
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