Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace

6 As God’s fellow workers,[fn] then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For He says:

“In the time of favor I heard you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[fn]

Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; 5 in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; 6 in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; 9 as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. 12 It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained. 13 As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also.