⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness^(A) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.^{(B) 5} You are all children of the light^(C) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,^(D) but let us be awake^(E) and sober.^{(F) 7} For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.^{(G) 8} But since we belong to the day,^(H) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(I) and the hope of salvation^(J) as a helmet.^{(K) 9} For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath^(L) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(M) 10} He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.^{(N) 11} Therefore encourage one another^(O) and build each other up,^(P) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard^(Q) among you, who care for you in the Lord^(R) and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.^{(S) 14} And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(T) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(U) be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,^(V) but always strive to do what is good for each other^(W) and for everyone else.