18-20 It is a good thing to be passionate in doing good, but not just when I am in your presence. Can’t you continue the same concern for both my person and my message when I am away from you that you had when I was with you? Do you know how I feel right now, and will feel until Christ’s life becomes visible in your lives? Like a mother in the pain of childbirth. Oh, I keep wishing that I was with you. Then I wouldn’t be reduced to this blunt, letter-writing language out of sheer frustration.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year - eBook
The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $14.86
Save: $4.13 (22%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl
The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $4.74
Save: $35.25 (88%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message The Book of Proverbs
The Message The Book of Proverbs
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $3.22
Save: $1.77 (35%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Women's Devotional Bible--hardcover
The Message Women's Devotional Bible--hardcover
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
The Message Bible--soft leather-look, sky blue
The Message Bible--soft leather-look, sky blue
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $49.98
Save: $0.01 (0%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars