^12 (A)The night is almost gone, and ^(B)the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside ^(C)the deeds of darkness and put on ^(D)the armor of light.

⁸ for ^(A)you were formerly ^(B)darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as ^(C)children of Light

⁴ But you, brethren, are not in ^(A)darkness, that the day would overtake you ^[a](B)like a thief; ⁵ for you are all ^(C)sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of ^(D)darkness; ⁶ so then let us not ^(E)sleep as ^[b](F)others do, but let us be alert and ^[c](G)sober. ⁷ For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get ^(H)drunk at night. ⁸ But since ^(I)we are of the day, let us ^(J)be ^[d]sober, having put on the ^(K)breastplate of ^(L)faith and love, and as a ^(M)helmet, the ^(N)hope of salvation. ⁹ For God has not destined us for ^(O)wrath, but for ^(P)obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ^10 (Q)who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. ¹¹ Therefore ^[e]encourage one another and ^(R)build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Christian Conduct

¹² But we request of you, brethren, that you ^[f](S)appreciate those ^(T)who diligently labor among you, and ^(U)have charge over you in the Lord and give you ^[g]instruction, ¹³ and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. ^(V)Live in peace with one another. ¹⁴ We urge you, brethren, admonish ^(W)the ^[h]unruly, encourage ^(X)the fainthearted, help ^(Y)the weak, be ^(Z)patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See that ^(AA)no one repays another with evil for evil, but always ^(AB)seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. ^16 (AC)Rejoice always; ^17 (AD)pray without ceasing; ¹⁸ in everything ^(AE)give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ^19 (AF)Do not quench the Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise ^(AG)prophetic ^[i]utterances. ²¹ But ^(AH)examine everything carefully; ^(AI)hold fast to that which is good; ²² abstain from every ^[j]form of evil.

²³ Now ^(AJ)may the God of peace ^(AK)Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your ^(AL)spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, ^(AM)without blame at ^(AN)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ^24 (AO)Faithful is He who ^(AP)calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

²⁵ Brethren, ^(AQ)pray for us^[k].

^26 (AR)Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I adjure you by the Lord to ^(AS)have this letter read to all the ^(AT)brethren.

^28 (AU)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.