²⁵ But I think it’s necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you. He is my brother in the Lord. He is a worker and a soldier of Christ together with me. He is also your messenger. You sent him to take care of my needs. ²⁶ He longs for all of you. He is troubled because you heard he was sick. ²⁷ He was very sick. In fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him. He also had mercy on me. God spared me sadness after sadness. ²⁸ So I want even more to send him to you. Then when you see him again, you will be glad. And I won’t worry so much. ²⁹ So then, welcome him as a brother in the Lord with great joy. Honor people like him. ³⁰ He almost died for the work of Christ. He put his life in danger to make up for the help you yourselves couldn’t give me.