Paul Prays and Gives Thanks

3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. 5I am happy because you have joined me in spreading the good news. You have done so from the first day until now.

6I am sure that the One who began a good work in you will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns.

7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you. I love you with all my heart. I may be held by chains, or I may be standing up for the truth of the good news. Either way, all of you share in God’s grace together with me. 8God can give witness that I long for all of you. I love you with the love that Christ Jesus gives.

9I pray that your love will grow more and more. And let it be based on knowledge and understanding. 10Then you will be able to know what is best. You will be pure and without blame until the day Christ returns. 11You will be filled with the fruit of right living produced by Jesus Christ. All of those things bring glory and praise to God.