2 Corinthians - Bible Claret

As God’s helpers, we ask you: don’t let it be in vain that you received this grace from God.

Scripture says:

At the favorable time I listened to you,

on the day of salvation, I helped you.

This is the favorable time; this is the day of salvation.

We are careful not to give anyone a reason to stumble or criticize our mission.

Instead, we demonstrate that we are faithful servants of God through our endurance in numerous trials—hardships, afflictions,

floggings, imprisonment, riots, exhaustion, sleepless nights, and days without food.

People can see in our upright life—knowledge, patience, kindness, the work of the Holy Spirit, sincere love,

words of truth, and God’s power. So, we fight with the weapons of justice, both to attack and to defend.

Sometimes we are honored, and other times insulted; we receive both criticism and praise. We are called liars, even though we speak the truth;

seen as unknown, even though we are well known; considered dead, yet we still live. Punishments come upon us, but we have not yet been put to death.

We seem to be suffering, yet we are always joyful; we look poor, but we enrich many; we have nothing, but we possess everything!

Corinthians! I have spoken to you honestly; our heart is open wide.

We do not restrict you, but you are restricted in your own affections.

In return—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

Do not make unsuitable covenants with those who do not believe: can justice walk with wickedness? Or can light coexist with darkness,

and can there be harmony between Christ and Satan? What kind of union could there be between someone who believes and someone who does not?

God’s temple must have no room for idols, and we are the temple of the living God. As Scripture says:

I will dwell and live in their midst,

I will be their God

and they shall be my people.

Therefore: Come out from their midst

and separate from them, says the Lord.

Do not touch anything unclean

and I will be gracious to you.

I will be a father to you,

that you may become

my sons and daughters,

says the all-powerful God.”