Because our good news came to you, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, so that you were completely certain of it; even as you saw what our behaviour to you was like from our love to you.

and to [look forward and confidently] wait for [the coming of] His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who [personally] rescues us from the coming wrath [and draws us to Himself, granting us all the privileges and rewards of a new life with Him].

But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother tenderly caring for her own children.

just as you know how [we treated] each one of you, like a father his own children,

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all men wide and full like my love for you,

not [to be used] in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God and are ignorant of His will;

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.

Whenever they say "Peace and security," then sudden destruction will overtake them like the birth pains of {a pregnant woman}, and they will not possibly escape.

But you, believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief;

So then, we must not sleep like the rest, but must be on the alert and be self-controlled.

Make sure that no one does anything wrong to someone who wrongs him, but always look for something good you can do for one another and for everyone.

Do not look down on prophetic messages.