5:1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
5:2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
5:3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
5:4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
5:5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
5:6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
5:10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
5:12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
5:13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
5:14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
5:16 Rejoice always,
5:17 pray continually,
5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.
5:20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt
5:21 but test them all; hold on to what is good,
5:22 reject every kind of evil.
5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5:24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
5:25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
5:26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.
5:27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.