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[1]SO we beseech you, as helpers, that the grace of God which you have received may not be in vain among you.
[2]For he said, I have answered you in an acceptable time, and I have helped you on the day of salvation: behold, now is the acceptable time; and behold now is the day of salvation.
[3]Give no occasion for offence to any one in anything, so that there be no blemish in our ministry:
[4]But in all things let us show ourselves, to be the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in imprisonment,
[5]In scourgings, in bonds, in tumults, in toilings, in vigils, in fastings;
[6]By purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
[7]By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
[8]By honour and dishonour, by praise and reproach, as deceivers, and yet true;
[9]As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not dying;
[10]As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
[11]O Corinthians, we have told you everything, and our heart is relieved.
[12]You are not constrained by us, but are urged by your affections.
[13]I speak as to my children, render me my reward which is with you, increase your love toward me.
[14]Do not unite in marriage with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with iniquity? Or what mingling has light with darkness?
[15]Or what accord has Christ with Satan? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever?
[16]Or what harmony has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God; as it is said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
[17]Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, said the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18]And will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, said the LORD Almighty.
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