1 But, as a help to you, we exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 For he says: "In a favorable time, I heeded you; and on the day of salvation, I helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3 May we never give offense to anyone, so that our ministry may not be disparaged.
4 But in all things, let us exhibit ourselves as ministers of God with great patience: through tribulation, difficulties, and distress;
5 despite wounds, imprisonment, and rebellion; with hard work, vigilance, and fasting;
6 by chastity, knowledge, and longsuffering; in pleasantness, in the Holy Spirit, and in unfeigned charity;
7 with the Word of truth, with the power of God, and with the armor of justice to the right and to the left;