1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 ERV

[1] Now, brothers and sisters, we don't need to write to you about times and dates. [2] You know very well that the day when the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief who comes at night. [3] People will say, "We have peace and we are safe." At that time destruction will come to them quickly, like the pains of a woman giving birth. And those people will not escape. [4] But you, brothers and sisters, are not living in darkness. And so that day will not surprise you like a thief. [5] You are all people who belong to the light. You belong to the day. We don't belong to the night or to darkness. [6] So we should not be like other people. We should not be sleeping. We should be awake and have self-control. [7] People who sleep, sleep at night. People who drink too much, drink at night. [8] But we belong to the day, so we should control ourselves. We should wear faith and love to protect us. And the hope of salvation should be our helmet. [9] God did not choose us to suffer his anger. God chose us to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. [10] Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him. It is not important if we are alive or dead when Jesus comes. [11] So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing. [12] Now brothers and sisters, we ask you to recognize the value of those who work hard among you-those who, as followers of the Lord, care for you and tell you how to live. [13] Show them the highest respect and love because of the work they do. Live in peace with each other. [14] We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. [15] Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people. [16] Always be full of joy. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. [19] Don't stop the work of the Holy Spirit. [20] Don't treat prophecy like something that is not important. [21] But test everything. Keep what is good, [22] and stay away from everything that is evil. [23] We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure-belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self-spirit, soul, and body-will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. [24] The one who chose you will do that for you. You can trust him. [25] Brothers and sisters, please pray for us. [26] Give all the brothers and sisters the special greeting of God's people. [27] I tell you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers there. [28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.