¹⁴ Do everything without complaining or arguing ¹⁵ so that you may be blameless and innocent, God’s children without any faults among a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. Then I will be proud when the Messiah^[a] returns^[b] that I did not run in vain or work hard in vain.

¹⁷ Yet even if I am being poured out like an offering as part of the sacrifice and service I offer^[c] for your faith, I rejoice, and I share my joy with all of you. ¹⁸ In the same way, you also should rejoice and share your joy with me.