⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your graciousness^[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is near.^{(A) 6} Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses^(B) all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^(C)

⁸ Finally^[b] brothers and sisters, whatever is true,^(D) whatever is honorable,^(E) whatever is just,^(F) whatever is pure,^(G) whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence^(H) and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received^(I) and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again^(J) you renewed your care for me.^(K) You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. ¹² I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot.^(L) In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through him^[c] who strengthens me.^(M)

The Life of the New Man

3 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(A) 2} Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^{(B) 3} For you died,^(C) and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[a] life, appears,^(D) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(E)

¹⁶ Rejoice^(A) always, ¹⁷ pray constantly, ¹⁸ give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will^(B) for you in Christ Jesus.