² make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.^(A)

¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly;^[a] do not claim to be wiser than you are.^(A)

Suffering for Doing Right

⁸ Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.^{(A) 9} Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.^(B)

Divisions in the Church

¹⁰ Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you but that you be knit together in the same mind and the same purpose.^(A)

Final Greetings and Benediction

¹¹ Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell.^[a] Be restored; listen to my appeal;^[b] agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.^(A)

⁴ I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.^(A)

⁵ May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus,^{(A) 6} so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

⁶ But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, just as we long to see you.^{(A) 7} For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. ⁸ For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? ¹⁰ Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.^(B)

Truth and Love

⁴ I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.

¹⁶ holding forth the word of life so that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.^(A)