1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 CEB

[1] We don’t need to write to you about the timing and dates, brothers and sisters. [2] You know very well that the day of the Lord is going to come like a thief in the night. [3] When they are saying, “There is peace and security,” at that time sudden destruction will attack them, like labor pains start with a pregnant woman, and they definitely won’t escape. [4] But you aren’t in darkness, brothers and sisters, so the day won’t catch you by surprise like a thief. [5] All of you are children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to night or darkness. [6] So then, let’s not sleep like the others, but let’s stay awake and stay sober. [7] People who sleep sleep at night, and people who get drunk get drunk at night. [8] Since we belong to the day, let’s stay sober, wearing faithfulness and love as a piece of armor that protects our body and the hope of salvation as a helmet. [9] God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. [10] Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. [11] So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. [12] Brothers and sisters, we ask you to respect those who are working with you, leading you, and instructing you. [13] Think of them highly with love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. [14] Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are disorderly. Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. [15] Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. [16] Rejoice always. [17] Pray continually. [18] Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [19] Don’t suppress the Spirit. [20] Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, [21] but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. [22] Avoid every kind of evil. [23] Now, may the God of peace himself cause you to be completely dedicated to him; and may your spirit, soul, and body be kept intact and blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming. [24] The one who is calling you is faithful and will do this. [25] Brothers and sisters, pray for us. [26] Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. [27] By the Lord’s authority, I order all of you to have this letter read aloud to all the brothers and sisters. [28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.