1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 ICB

[1] Now, brothers, we do not need to write to you about times and dates. [2] You know very well that the day the Lord comes again will be a surprise like a thief that comes in the night. [3] People will say, "We have peace and we are safe." At that time they will be destroyed quickly, as pains come quickly to a woman having a baby. And those people will not escape. [4] But you, brothers, 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 do not belong to the night or to darkness. [6] So we should not be like other people. We should not be sleeping, but we should be awake and have self-control. [7] Those who sleep, sleep at night. Those who get drunk, get drunk 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, but 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 comfort each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now. [12] Now, brothers, we ask you to respect those people who work hard with you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. [13] Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do with you. Live in peace with each other. [14] We ask you, brothers, to warn those who do not work. Encourage the people who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with every person. [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 happy. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. [19] Do not stop the work of the Holy Spirit. [20] Do not treat prophecy as if it were 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 without wrong when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. [24] The One who calls you will do that for you. You can trust him. [25] Brothers, please pray for us. [26] Give all the brothers a holy kiss when you meet. [27] I tell you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers. [28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.