1Thessalonians 5

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Now brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

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for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

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While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

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But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

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You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

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So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

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For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

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But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

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For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

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Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

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Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.

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Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

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And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

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Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

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Be joyful always;

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pray continually;

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give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;

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do not treat prophecies with contempt.

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Test everything. Hold on to the good.

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Avoid every kind of evil.

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May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

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Brothers, pray for us.

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Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

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I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.