June 17, 2013, Reading

Second Corinthians 6:1-10

1 As his fellow-workers, we urge you not to let your acceptance of his grace come to nothing.

2 As he said, ‘At the time of my favour I have answered you; on the day of salvation I have helped you’; well, now is the real time of favour, now the day of salvation is here.

3 We avoid putting obstacles in anyone’s way, so that no blame may attach to our work of service;

4 but in everything we prove ourselves authentic servants of God; by resolute perseverance in times of hardships, difficulties and distress;

5 when we are flogged or sent to prison or mobbed; labouring, sleepless, starving;

6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness; in the Holy Spirit, in a love free of affectation;

7 in the word of truth and in the power of God; by using the weapons of uprightness for attack and for defence:

8 in times of honour or disgrace, blame or praise; taken for impostors and yet we are genuine;

9 unknown and yet we are acknowledged; dying, and yet here we are, alive; scourged but not executed;

10 in pain yet always full of joy; poor and yet making many people rich; having nothing, and yet owning everything.