²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ.^[a]

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

⁷ I have^[a] indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.^(A)

¹² I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.^[a]

¹⁷ How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?^(A)

¹⁷ Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing, for that would be harmful to 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?

¹⁹ For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?^{(A) 20} Yes, you are our glory and joy!

4 ¹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy,^{(A) 2} make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.^(B)