2 Corinthians 6:1-13 ▼

1 Now because we are fellow workers, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

2 For he says, |I heard you at the acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I helped you.| Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation!

3 We do not give anyone an occasion for taking an offense in anything, so that no fault may be found with our ministry.

4 But as God's servants, we have commended ourselves in every way, with great endurance, in persecutions, in difficulties, in distresses,

5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in troubles, in sleepless nights, in hunger,

6 by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by benevolence, by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love,

7 by truthful teaching, by the power of God, with weapons of righteousness both for the right hand and for the left,

8 through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as impostors, and yet true;

9 as unknown, and yet well-known; as dying and yet--see!--we continue to live; as those who are scourged and yet not executed;

10 as sorrowful, but always rejoicing, as poor, but making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide to you.

12 Our affection for you is not restricted, but you are restricted in your affections for us.

13 Now as a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts to us also.