³ We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,^(A) so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.^{(B) 4} We write this^(C) to make our^[a] joy complete.^(D)

¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others,^(A) that they may see your good deeds^(B) and glorify^(C) your Father in heaven.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,^(A) if any tenderness and compassion,^{(B) 2} then make my joy complete^(C) by being like-minded,^(D) having the same love, being one^(E) in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.^(F) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,^{(G) 4} not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.^(H)

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.^(A) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a];^(B) rather, serve one another^(C) humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[b](D)

³¹ But these are written that you may believe^[a](A) that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,^(B) and that by believing you may have life in his name.^(C)

¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love.^(A) Honor one another above yourselves.^(B)

²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

¹¹ Therefore encourage one another^(A) and build each other up,^(B) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard^(C) among you, who care for you in the Lord^(D) and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.^{(E) 14} And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(F) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(G) be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,^(H) but always strive to do what is good for each other^(I) and for everyone else.