15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak^(A) and not to please ourselves. ² Each of us should please our neighbors for their good,^(B) to build them up.^{(C) 3} For even Christ did not please himself^(D) but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”^{[a](E) 4} For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,^(F) so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind^(G) toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify^(H) the God and Father^(I) of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.^{(A) 23} Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,^(B) and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.^(C)

²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues^(D) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after^(E) orphans and widows^(F) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.^(G)

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy^(A) to you soon,^(B) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰ I have no one else like him,^(C) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹ For everyone looks out for their own interests,^(D) not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father^(E) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³ I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.^{(F) 24} And I am confident^(G) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

²⁵ But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker^(H) and fellow soldier,^(I) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.^{(J) 26} For he longs for all of you^(K) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ²⁷ Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,^(L) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. ²⁹ So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,^{(M) 30} because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.^(N)