Paul's Hardships and God's Grace

1And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain.

2For he saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation.

3Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed. 4But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, 5In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, 6In chastity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned, 7In the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left: 8By honour and dishonour: by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true: as unknown and yet known: 9As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed: 10As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

11Our mouth is open to you, O ye Corinthians: our heart is enlarged. 12You are not straitened in us: but in your own bowels you are straitened. 13But having the same recompense (I speak as to my children): be you also enlarged.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

(Exodus 29:45-46)

14Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the unbeliever?

16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God: as God saith: I will dwell in them and walk among them. And I will be their God: and they shall be my people.

17Wherefore: Go out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing:

18And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.