²⁸ All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love^(A) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,^{(B) 10} so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,^{(C) 11} filled with the fruit of righteousness^(D) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion^(A) until the day of Christ Jesus.^(B)

³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. ³² Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other^(A) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(B) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(C) when our Lord Jesus comes^(D) with all his holy ones.^(E)

¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy^(A) of the Lord and please him^(B) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^(C)

²⁶ When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.