²⁰ I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh^(A) my heart in Christ.

⁷ Your love has given me great joy and encouragement,^(A) because you, brother, have refreshed^(B) the hearts of the Lord’s people.

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

¹² I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.

¹⁷ If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them,^(A) how can the love of God be in that person?^(B)

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders^(A) and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you^(B) as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

⁷ Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. ⁸ For now we really live, since you are standing firm^(A) in the Lord. ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you^(B) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?^(C)

¹⁹ For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown^(A) in which we will glory^(B) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?^(C) Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory^(D) and joy.

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(A) my joy and crown, stand firm^(B) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,^(A) if any tenderness and compassion,^{(B) 2} then make my joy complete^(C) by being like-minded,^(D) having the same love, being one^(E) in spirit and of one mind.