Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace

1But, as a help to you, we exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

2For 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 salvation.

3May we never give offense to anyone, so that our ministry may not be disparaged. 4But in all things, let us exhibit ourselves as ministers of God with great patience: through tribulation, difficulties, and distress; 5despite wounds, imprisonment, and rebellion; with hard work, vigilance, and fasting; 6by chastity, knowledge, and longsuffering; in pleasantness, in the Holy Spirit, and in unfeigned charity; 7with the Word of truth, with the power of God, and with the armor of justice to the right and to the left; 8through honor and dishonor, despite good reports and bad, whether seen as deceivers or truth-tellers, whether ignored or acknowledged; 9as if dying and yet truly alive; as if chastised and yet not subdued; 10as if sorrowful and yet always rejoicing; as if needy and yet enriching many; as if having nothing and possessing everything.

11Our mouth is open to you, O Corinthians; our heart is enlarged. 12You are not narrowed by us, but it is by your own inner selves that you are narrowed. 13But since we have the same recompense, (I am speaking as if to my own sons), you, too, should be enlarged.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

14Do 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 darkness? 15And how can Christ join together with Belial? Or what part do the faithful have with the unfaithful?

16And 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 people.

17Because of this, you must depart from their midst and be separate, says the Lord. And do not touch what is unclean.

18Then 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.”