2 Corinthians 6:8-18 ▼

8 amid glory and dishonor; by evil report and good report; branded as deceivers and yet [vindicated as] truthful;

9 as unknown [to the world], yet well-known [by God and His people]; as dying, yet we live; as punished, yet not killed;

10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.

11 We are speaking freely to you, Corinthians [we are keeping nothing back], and our heart is opened wide.

12 There is no limit to our affection for you, but you are limited in your own affection [for us].

13 Now in the same way as a fair exchange [for our love toward you]—I am speaking as [I would] to children—open wide [your hearts] to us also.

14 Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

15 What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial (Satan)? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said: “I WILL DWELL AMONG THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.

17 “So COME OUT FROM AMONG UNBELIEVERS AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord, “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor],

18 And I will be a Father to you, And you will be My sons and daughters,” Says the Lord Almighty.