1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 GNT

[1] There is no need to write you, friends, about the times and occasions when these things will happen. [2] For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief comes at night. [3] When people say, "Everything is quiet and safe," then suddenly destruction will hit them! It will come as suddenly as the pains that come upon a woman in labor, and people will not escape. [4] But you, friends, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. [5] All of you are people who belong to the light, who belong to the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. [6] So then, we should not be sleeping like the others; we should be awake and sober. [7] It is at night when people sleep; it is at night when they get drunk. [8] But we belong to the day, and we should be sober. We must wear faith and love as a breastplate, and our hope of salvation as a helmet. [9] God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. [11] And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing. [12] We beg you, our friends, to pay proper respect to those who work among you, who guide and instruct you in the Christian life. [13] Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves. [14] We urge you, our friends, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. [15] See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people. [16] Be joyful always, [17] pray at all times, [18] be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. [19] Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; [20] do not despise inspired messages. [21] Put all things to the test: keep what is good [22] and avoid every kind of evil. [23] May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being-spirit, soul, and body-free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] He who calls you will do it, because he is faithful. [25] Pray also for us, friends. [26] Greet all the believers with the kiss of peace. [27] I urge 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.