Dual Panel1LABORING TOGETHER [as God's fellow workers] with Him then, we beg of you not to receive the grace of God in vain [that merciful kindness by which God exerts His holy influence on souls and turns them to Christ, keeping and strengthening them--do not receive it to no purpose].
2For He says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to {and} heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome {and} acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation!
3We put no obstruction in anybody's way [we give no offense in anything], so that no fault may be found {and} [our] ministry blamed {and} discredited.
4But we commend ourselves in every way as [true] servants of God: through great endurance, in tribulation {and} suffering, in hardships {and} privations, in sore straits {and} calamities,
5In beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless watching, hunger;
6By innocence {and} purity, knowledge {and} spiritual insight, longsuffering {and} patience, kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love;
7By [speaking] the word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand [to attack] and for the left hand [to defend];
8Amid honor and dishonor; in defaming {and} evil report and in praise {and} good report. [We are branded] as deceivers (impostors), and [yet vindicated as] truthful {and} honest.
9[We are treated] as unknown {and} ignored [by the world], and [yet we are] well-known {and} recognized [by God and His people]; as dying, and yet here we are alive; as chastened by suffering and [yet] not killed;
10As grieved {and} mourning, yet [we are] always rejoicing; as poor [ourselves, yet] bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, and [yet in reality] possessing all things.
11Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians [we are hiding nothing, keeping nothing back], and our heart is expanded wide [for you]!
12There is no lack of room for you in [our hearts], but you lack room in your own affections [for us].
13By way of return then, do this for me--I speak as to children--open wide your hearts also [to us].
14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living {and} right standing with God with iniquity {and} lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?
15What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
16What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in {and} with {and} among them and will walk in {and} with {and} among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
17So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly {and} treat you with favor,
18And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.