6-8 But now that Timothy is back, bringing this terrific report on your faith and love, we feel a lot better. It’s especially gratifying to know that you continue to think well of us, and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you! In the middle of our trouble and hard times here, just knowing how you’re doing keeps us going. Knowing that your faith is alive keeps us alive.

9-10 What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters.

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Timothy’s Encouraging Report

But Timothy(A) has just now come to us from you(B) and has brought good news about your faith and love.(C) He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.(D) Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm(E) in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you(F) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?(G) 10 Night and day we pray(H) most earnestly that we may see you again(I) and supply what is lacking in your faith.

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