Epistle to the Philippians

I am greatly grieved for Valens, who was once a presbyter among you, because he so little understands the position that was given to him in the Church. I urge you, therefore, to abstain from covetousness, and to be chaste and truthful. "Abstain from every form of evil." For if a person cannot control themselves in such matters, how can they instruct others in them? If a person does not keep themselves from covetousness, they will be defiled by idolatry and will be judged as one of the heathen. But who among us is ignorant of the judgment of the Lord? "Do we not know that the saints shall judge the world?" as Paul teaches. But I have neither seen nor heard of any such thing among you, among whom the blessed Paul labored, and who are commended at the beginning of his Epistle. For he boasts of you in all those Churches that alone then knew the Lord; but we [of Smyrna] had not yet known Him. I am deeply grieved, therefore, brothers, for him (Valens) and his wife; to whom may the Lord grant true repentance! And be moderate in regard to this matter, and "do not count them as enemies," but call them back as suffering and straying members, so that you may save your whole body. For by doing so, you will edify yourselves.