²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[a] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.^(A)

⁴ On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.^(A) We are not trying to please people^(B) but God, who tests our hearts.^(C)

¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(A) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(B) when our Lord Jesus comes^(C) with all his holy ones.^(D)

¹⁷ encourage^(A) your hearts and strengthen^(B) you in every good deed and word.

⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts^(A) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart^(A) and a good conscience^(B) and a sincere faith.^(C)

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(B) desires a noble task.

²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love^(A) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord^(B) out of a pure heart.^(C)

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