[1] Working together with him, we also appeal to you, "Don't receive the grace of God in vain." [2] For he says: At an acceptable time I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! [3] We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed. [4] Instead, as God's ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties, [5] by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger, [6] by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, [7] by the word of truth, by the power of God; through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, [8] through glory and dishonor, through slander and good report; regarded as deceivers, yet true; [9] as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see-we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed; [10] as grieving, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. [11] We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. [12] We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. [13] I speak as to my children; as a proper response, open your heart to us. [14] Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? [15] What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? [16] And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, as God said: I will dwell and walk among 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; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. [18] And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.
