4. But you, brothers and sisters, are not living in darkness. And so that day will not surprise you like a thief.
5. You are all people who belong to the light. You belong to the day. We don’t belong to the night or to darkness.
6. So we should not be like other people. We should not be sleeping. We should be awake and have self-control.
7. People who sleep, sleep at night. People who drink too much, drink at night.
8. But we belong to the day, so we should control ourselves. We should wear faith and love to protect us. And the hope of salvation should be our helmet.
9. God did not choose us to suffer his anger. God chose us to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10. Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him. It is not important if we are alive or dead when Jesus comes.
11. So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing.
12. Now brothers and sisters, we ask you to recognize the value of those who work hard among you—those who, as followers of the Lord, care for you and tell you how to live.
13. Show them the highest respect and love because of the work they do. Live in peace with each other.
14. We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15. Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.
16. Always be full of joy.
17. Never stop praying.
18. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.
19. Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit.
20. Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important.