1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 NCV

[1] Now, brothers and sisters, we do not need to write 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] While people are saying, "We have peace and we are safe," they will be destroyed quickly. It is like pains that come quickly to a woman having a baby. 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 and to the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness. [6] So we should not be like other people who are sleeping, but we should be alert 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, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. [11] So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now. [12] Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. [13] Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do. Live in peace with each other. [14] We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who do not work. Encourage the people 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 joyful. [17] Pray continually, [18] and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. [19] Do not hold back the work of the Holy Spirit. [20] Do not treat prophecy as if it were unimportant. [21] But test everything. Keep what is good, [22] and stay away from everything that is evil. [23] Now may God himself, the God of peace, make you pure, belonging only to him. May your whole self-spirit, soul, and body-be kept safe and without fault when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. [24] You can trust the One who calls you to do that for you. [25] Brothers and sisters, pray for us. [26] Give each other a holy kiss when you meet. [27] I tell you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers. [28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.