Paul's Hardships and God's Grace

1But [as] fellow-workmen, we also beseech that ye receive not the grace of God in vain:

2(for he says, I have listened to thee in an accepted time, and I have helped thee in a day of salvation: behold, now [is the] well-accepted time; behold, now [the] day of salvation:)

3giving no manner of offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed; 4but in everything commending ourselves as God's ministers, in much endurance, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits, 5in stripes, in prisons, in riots, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, 6in pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in [the] Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned, 7in [the] word of truth, in [the] power of God; through the arms of righteousness on the right hand and left, 8through glory and dishonour, through evil report and good report: as deceivers, and true; 9as unknown, and well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as disciplined, and not put to death; 10as grieved, but always rejoicing; as poor, but enriching many; as having nothing, and possessing all things.

11Our mouth is opened to you, Corinthians, our heart is expanded. 12Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your affections; 13but for an answering recompense, (I speak as to children,) let your heart also expand itself.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

(Exodus 29:45-46)

14Be not diversely yoked with unbelievers; for what participation [is there] between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness? 15and what consent of Christ with Beliar, or what part for a believer along with an unbeliever?

16and what agreement of God's temple with idols? for ye are [the] living God's temple; according as God has said, I will dwell among them, and walk among [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be to me a people.

17Wherefore come out from the midst of them, and be separated, saith [the] Lord, and touch not [what is] unclean, and I will receive you;

18and I will be to you for a Father, and ye shall be to me for sons and daughters, saith [the] Lord Almighty.