1We then , as workers together with him , beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain . 2( For he saith , I have heard thee in a time accepted , and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee : behold , now is the accepted time ; behold , now is the day of salvation .) 3Giving no offence in any thing , that the ministry be not blamed : 4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God , in much patience , in afflictions , in necessities , in distresses , 5In stripes , in imprisonments , in tumults , in labours , in watchings , in fastings ; 6By pureness , by knowledge , by longsuffering , by kindness , by the Holy Ghost , by love unfeigned , 7By the word of truth , by the power of God , by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left , 8By honour and dishonour , by evil report and good report : as deceivers , and yet true ; 9As unknown , and yet well known ; as dying , and , behold , we live ; as chastened , and not killed ; 10As sorrowful , yet alway rejoicing ; as poor , yet making many rich ; as having nothing , and yet possessing all things . 11O ye Corinthians , our mouth is open unto you , our heart is enlarged . 12Ye are not straitened in us , but ye are straitened in your own bowels . 13Now for a recompence in the same , (I speak as unto my children ,) be ye also enlarged . 14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ?
God's Promises and Our Response
15And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said , I will dwell in them , and walk in them ; and I will be their God , and they shall be my people . 17Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord , and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you , 18And will be a Father unto you , and ye shall be my sons and daughters , saith the Lord Almighty .