1Now you do not need to have anything written to you about times and dates, brothers, 2for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3When people say, “There is peace and security,” destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pains come to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape. 4However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the day might surprise you like a thief. 5For all of you are children of light and children of day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness. 6Therefore, let us not fall asleep like others do, but let us stay awake and be sober. 7For people who go to sleep, go to sleep at night; and people who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober. We must put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us in order that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing. 12Brothers, we ask you to show your appreciation for those who work among you, set an example for you in the Lord, and instruct you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14We urge you, brothers, to instruct those who are idle, cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil. Instead, always pursue what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16Always be joyful. 17Continually be prayerful. 18In everything be thankful, because this is God's will in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not put out the Spirit's fire. 20Do not despise prophecies. 21Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good, 22but keep away from every kind of evil. 23May the God of peace himself make you holy in every way. And may your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. 25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I order you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen.