2 Corinthians 6

Paul’s Hardships

1 As God’s coworkers, we urge you all not to take God’s grace for granted.

2 He says, “In the right time, I heard you; in the day of salvation, I helped you.” Look, now is the right time; today is the day of salvation!

3 We are careful not to put any obstacles in anyone’s way so our ministry will not be blamed.

4 Instead, in every way, we show ourselves as God’s servants: in hardships, in tough times, in distress;

5 In beatings, in prisons, in riots, in hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger.

6 By purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, by the Holy Spirit, sincere love,

7 By the message of truth and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in both hands,

8 Whether people honor us or talk trash, whether we got a good rep or bad, called impostors even though we are legit;

9 Seen as unknown yet well-known, as dying but still alive, as beaten but not dead,

10 As sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing everything.

11 We have opened up our hearts to you all, Corinthians, speaking freely.

12 You all are not limited by us; you are limited by your own feelings.

13 I am speaking like a father to his kids, open up your hearts to us.

Separated for God

14 Do not team up with unbelievers. How can right and wrong roll together, What is light got in common with darkness,

15 What harmony between Christ and the devil, Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever,

16 What agreement is there between God’s temple and idols, We are the temple of the living God. God said, “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

17 So, “Come out from among them and be separate,” says the Lord. “Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”

18 “I will be a Father to you, and you all will be my sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty.