⁸ For if these qualities^[a] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or ^(A)unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

^2 (A)Every branch in me that does not bear fruit ^(B)he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, ^(C)that it may bear more fruit.

¹⁴ And let our people learn ^(A)to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not ^(B)be unfruitful.

¹⁶ Let ^(A)the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, ^(B)singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, ^(C)with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

^2 (A)May grace and peace be multiplied to you ^(B)in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

¹² so that you may not be sluggish, but ^(A)imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

⁶ and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full ^(A)knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.^[a]

⁹ And it is my prayer that ^(A)your love may abound more and more, ^(B)with knowledge and all discernment,

^58 (A)Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in ^(B)the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord ^(C)your labor is not in vain.

Thanksgiving

^3 (A)We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers,^[a] as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.