Chapter 6

Yes, working together with him we entreat you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

For he says, "In an acceptable time I have heard thee, and in the day of salvation I have helped thee." Behold now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation!

We give no offense to anyone, that our ministry may not be blamed.

On the contrary, let us conduct ourselves in all circumstances as God's ministers, in much patience; in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses;

in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults; in labors, in sleepless nights, in fastings;

in innocence, in knowledge, in long-sufferings; in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unaffected love;

in the word of truth, in the power of God; with the armor of justice on the right hand and on the left;

in honor and dishonor, in evil report and good report; as deceivers and yet truthful, as unknown and yet well known,

as dying and behold, we live, as chastised but not killed,

as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet enriching many, as having nothing yet possessing all things.

We are frank with you, O Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you.

In us there is no lack of room for you, but in your heart there is no room for us.

Now as having a recompense in like kind---I speak as to my children---be you also open wide to us. Avoid Marriage with Unbelievers

Do not bear the yoke with unbelievers. For what has justice in common with iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what part has the believer with the unbeliever?

And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God, as God says, "I will dwell and move among them, I will be their God and they shall be my people."

Wherefore, "Come out from among them, be separated, says the Lord, and touch not an unclean thing;

And I will welcome you in, and will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord almighty."