But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

For you know that we treated each one of you like a father treats his own children, exhorting you, and comforting you,

for you know perfectly well that the day of the Lord [i.e., when He returns, See II Thess. 2:1-2] will arrive like a thief coming in the night.

[For] when people are saying, "Peace," and "Safety," then [is when] destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape it.

But you brothers are not in the dark about that day, so that it sneaks up on you like a thief,

So then, we should not be [spiritually] asleep, like the rest [i.e., the unsaved world], but we should be alert and sober [i.e., in control of our senses].

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.