1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 GW

[1] Brothers and sisters, you don't need anyone to write to you about times and dates. [2] You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] When people say, "Everything is safe and sound!" destruction will suddenly strike them. It will be as sudden as labor pains come to a pregnant woman. They won't be able to escape. [4] But, brothers and sisters, you don't live in the dark. That day won't take you by surprise as a thief would. [5] You belong to the day and the light not to the night and the dark. [6] Therefore, we must not fall asleep like other people, but we must stay awake and be sober. [7] People who sleep, sleep at night; people who get drunk, get drunk at night. [8] Since we belong to the day, we must be sober. We must put on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. [9] It was not God's intention that we experience his anger but that we obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. [10] He died for us so that, whether we are awake in this life or asleep in death, we will live together with him. [11] Therefore, encourage each other and strengthen one another as you are doing. [12] Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show your appreciation for those leaders who work among you and instruct you. [13] We ask you to love them and think very highly of them because of the work they are doing. Live in peace with each other. [14] We encourage you, brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not living right, cheer up those who are discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. [15] Make sure that no one ever pays back one wrong with another wrong. Instead, always try to do what is good for each other and everyone else. [16] Always be joyful. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this. [19] Don't put out the Spirit's fire. [20] Don't despise what God has revealed. [21] Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. [22] Keep away from every kind of evil. [23] May the God who gives peace make you holy in every way. May he keep your whole being-spirit, soul, and body-blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. [24] The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. [25] Brothers and sisters, pray for us. [26] Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. [27] In the Lord's name, I order you to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters. [28] The good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.