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The Lord Be With You All

Now may the Lord of peace give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 | New Testament for Everyone (NTFE) Scripture quotations from The New Testament for Everyone are copyright © Nicholas Thomas Wright 2011, 2018, 2019. Cross References: Ruth 2:4; Romans 15:33; Ephesians 6:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:11

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Marriage and its Challenges

1 In the same way, let me say a word to the women. You should be subject to your husbands, so that if there should be some who disobey the word, they may be won, without a word, through the behavior of their wives, 2 as they notice you conducting yourselves with reverence and purity. 3 The beauty you should strive for ought not to be the external sort—elaborate hairdressing, gold trinkets, fine clothes! 4 Rather, true beauty is the secret beauty of the heart, of a sincere, gentle and quiet spirit. That is very precious to God. 5 That is how the holy women of old, who hoped in God, used to make themselves beautiful in submission to their husbands. 6 Take Sarah, for instance, who obeyed Abraham and called him “Master.” You are her children if you do good and have no fear of intimidation.

7 You men, in the same way, think out how to live with your wives. Yes, they are physically weaker than you, but they deserve full respect. They are heirs of the grace of life, just the same as you. That way nothing will obstruct your prayers.

The New Way of Life

8 The aim of this is for you all to be like-minded, sympathetic and loving to one another, tender-hearted and humble. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil, or slander for slander, but rather say a blessing. This is what you were called to, so that you may inherit a blessing.

10 For the one who wants to love life and see good days should guard the tongue from evil, and the lips from speaking deceit; 11 should turn away from evil and do good; should seek peace, and follow after it. 12 For the Lord’s eyes are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

13 Who is there, then, to harm you if you are eager to do what is right? 14 But if you do suffer because of your righteous behavior, God’s blessing is upon you! “Don’t fear what they fear; don’t be disturbed.” 15 Sanctify the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to make a reply to anyone who asks you to explain the hope that is in you. 16 Do it, though, with gentleness and respect. Hold on to a good conscience, so that when people revile your good behavior in the Messiah they may be ashamed.

Suffering for Doing Right

11 We have been wide open in our speaking to you, my dear Corinthians! Our heart has been opened wide! 12 There are no restrictions at our end; the only restrictions are in your affection! 13 I’m speaking as though to children: you should open your hearts wide as well in return. That’s fair enough, isn’t it?

Don’t be mismatched

14 Don’t be drawn into partnership with unbelievers. What kind of sharing can there be, after all, between justice and lawlessness? What partnership can there be between light and darkness? 15 What kind of harmony can the Messiah have with Beliar? What has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 What kind of agreement can there be between God’s temple and idols? We are the temple of the living God, you see, just as God said:

I will live among them and walk about with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. 17 So come out from the midst of them, and separate yourselves, says the Lord; no unclean thing must you touch. Then I will receive you gladly, 18 and I will be to you as a father, and you will be to me as sons and daughters, says the Lord, the Almighty. — 2 Corinthians 6:11-18 | New Testament for Everyone (NTFE) Scripture quotations from The New Testament for Everyone are copyright © Nicholas Thomas Wright 2011, 2018, 2019. Cross References: Genesis 24:3; Exodus 25:8; Exodus 29:45; Deuteronomy 22:10; Judges 19:22; Judges 20:13; 2 Samuel 7:14; 2 Chronicles 17:13; Psalm 119:32; Isaiah 52:11; Isaiah 60:5; Jeremiah 15:17; Matthew 7:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; 2 Corinthians 4:8; Galatians 4:12

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