²⁰ Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn^(A) while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.^{(B) 21} A woman giving birth to a child has pain^(C) because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²² So with you: Now is your time of grief,^(D) but I will see you again^(E) and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.^{(F) 23} In that day^(G) you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.^{(H) 24} Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive,^(I) and your joy will be complete.^(J)

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^{(A) 5} Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^{(B) 6} Do not be anxious about anything,^(C) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^{(D) 7} And the peace of God,^(E) which transcends all understanding,^(F) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(G) And the God of peace^(H) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(I) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(J) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(K) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(L) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(M)

¹⁶ Rejoice always,^{(A) 17} pray continually,^{(B) 18} give thanks in all circumstances;^(C) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice^(A) of praise—the fruit of lips^(B) that openly profess his name.

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^{(C) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(D) and complete, not lacking anything.