2 Corinthians 6:1-13

The Ministry of Reconciliation

1 t Working together with him, then, u we appeal to you v not to receive the grace of God in vain.

2 For he says,
w "In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you."
Behold, x now is the y favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3 We z put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but a as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: b by great endurance, c in afflictions, d hardships, calamities, 5 e beatings, imprisonments, f riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 g by purity, h knowledge, patience, kindness, i the Holy Spirit, j genuine love; 7 by k truthful speech, and l the power of God; with m the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, n through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and o yet well known; p as dying, and behold, we live; q as punished, and yet not killed; 10 r as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; s as poor, yet making many rich; t as having nothing, u yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you, 1 Corinthians; v our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but w you are restricted in your own affections. 13 x In return (I speak y as to children) widen your hearts also.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.