6 Working together w with Him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” 2 For He says:

I heard you in an acceptable time,

and I helped you in the day of salvation. x y

Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation. z

The Character of Paul’s Ministry

3 We give no opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed. 4 But as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything:

by great endurance, by afflictions,

by hardship, by difficulties,

5 by beatings, by imprisonments, a

by riots, by labors,

by sleepless nights, by times of hunger,

6 by purity, b by knowledge, c

by patience, d by kindness, e

by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, f

7 by the message of truth, g

by the power of God; h

through weapons of righteousness

on the right hand and the left,

8 through glory i and dishonor,

through slander and good report;

as deceivers yet true;

9 as unknown yet recognized;

as dying and look—we live;

as being disciplined yet not killed;

10 as grieving yet always rejoicing; j

as poor yet enriching many;

as having nothing yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken openly k to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. 12 You are not limited by us, but you are limited by your own affections. 13 I speak as to my children. As a proper response, you should also be open to us.

Separation to God

14 Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? l Or what fellowship does light m have with darkness? n 15 What agreement does Christ have with Belial? o Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols? p For we q are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said:

I will dwell among them r

and walk among them,

and I will be their God, s

and they will be My people. t u

17 Therefore, come out from among them

and be separate, says the Lord;

do not touch any unclean thing,

and I will welcome you. v w

18 I will be a Father x to you,

and you will be sons y and daughters to Me,

says the Lord Almighty. z a