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

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. 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)

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Footnotes

  1. 4:5 Or gentleness
  2. 4:8 Or In addition
  3. 4:13 Other mss read Christ

Final Exhortations

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!(A) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.(B) Do not be anxious about anything,(C) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.(D) And the peace of God,(E) which transcends all understanding,(F) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.(G) And the God of peace(H) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.(I) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content(J) whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,(K) whether living in plenty or in want.(L) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(M)

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