2 In the Scriptures God says,“When the time came,I listened to you,and when you needed help,I came to save you.”That time has come. This is the day for you to be saved.
3 We don't want anyone to find fault with our work, and so we try hard not to cause problems.
4 But in everything and in every way we show that we truly are God's servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times.
5 We have been beaten, put in jail, and hurt in riots. We have worked hard and have gone without sleep or food.
6 But we have kept ourselves pure and have been understanding, patient, and kind. The Holy Spirit has been with us, and our love has been real.
7 We have spoken the truth, and God's power has worked in us. In all our struggles we have said and done only what is right.
8 Whether we were honoured or dishonoured or praised or cursed, we always told the truth about ourselves. But some people said we did not.