First Letter from Small Man to the Sacred Family in Village of False Victory 5
5
THE DAY OF OUR HONORED CHIEF
1Now, my sacred family members, we have no need to write to you about the times and seasons that have been set in place by our Creator. 2For you know very well that the day of our Honored Chief will come without warning like a thief in the night. 3At a time when people are saying, “Peace and safety,” sudden destruction will come down on their heads, like the pains of birth that come upon a woman with child, and there will be no way to escape.
4-5But that day should not catch you off guard like a thief in the night. For you, my sacred family members, are children of the light. You belong to the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6So let us not fall asleep as others do. Instead, we should stay sober and alert. 7For it is during the night that people sleep or get drunk. 8But since we are children of the day, let us walk in sobriety and put on faith and love as a breastplate, and for a headdress let us put on the hope of being set free and made whole.
9For the Great Spirit has not chosen us as targets for his great anger, but as targets for his great love. He will set us free and make us whole through our Honored Chief Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One. 10He died for us so that we might live together with him, whether we remain alive until he comes or have died and walked on. 11So encourage each other and help each other grow strong, just as you are already doing.
WISE COUNSEL AND LAST WORDS
12So, my sacred family members, we have something to ask of you. Honor the spiritual leaders who work hard among you. For they watch over you and give you wise and firm counsel as they serve our Honored Chief. 13Treat them with great respect and love for the work they do, and be at peace with each other.
14Now, my sacred family members, we call on you to give firm and wise counsel to those whose hands do nothing. Comfort those whose hearts are on the ground. Help the ones who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 15Make sure no one gives back to anyone evil for evil. Instead, seek to walk in a good way with each other and with all people.
16Dance for joy at all times! 17Never stop sending up prayers. 18Give thanks to the Great Spirit in all things, for this is what he wants from you as you dance in step with Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One. 19Do not put out the fire of the Holy Spirit. 20Do not look down on or turn away from words spoken as prophecies, 21but think deeply about what is said and hold firmly to what is good. 22Make sure to turn away from all kinds of evil.
PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS
23Now may the Giver of Peace, Creator himself, make you holy in every way. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept pure and without blame at the coming of our Honored Chief, Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One. 24The one who called you is faithful, and he will do it.
25My sacred family members, keep sending up prayers for us, 26and greet all the members of the sacred family with a holy kiss. 27Give me your solemn promise that you will read this letter to all of them. 28May the gift of great kindness from Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One be with you all.
Aho! May it be so!
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