1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

12Our friends, we ask you to respect your leaders who work hard among you. They lead you and they teach you what is right on the Lord's behalf.

13Show them how valuable they are to you. And love them very much because of the work that they do. Live at peace among yourselves.

14Friends, you must warn lazy people that they should work. If people are afraid, help them to be brave. If people are weak, take care of them. Be patient with everyone.

15If someone does something bad against you, do not do anything bad against them in return. Never do that. Instead, always try to do good things that will help one other and help everyone else.

16Always be happy.

17Pray at all times.

18Whatever may happen to you, continue to thank God. God wants you to do that, because you belong to Christ Jesus.

19Do not stop the work of God's Spirit.

20When people speak messages on God's behalf, do not refuse to listen.

21Instead, think carefully about everything, to see if it is true. Remember to obey anything that is good.

22But keep away from any kind of bad thing.