21 God made him who had no sinv to be sinb for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.w

6 As God’s co-workersx we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.y 2 For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you.”a z

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Hardships

3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,a so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonmentsb and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;c 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spiritd and in sincere love;e 7 in truthful speechf and in the power of God;g with weapons of righteousnessh in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor,i bad reportj and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;k 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,l and yet we live on;m beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;n poor, yet making many rich;o having nothing,p and yet possessing everything.q