4 And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.
5 This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.
6 God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.
7 You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail.
8 God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows I care for you in the same way Christ Jesus does.
9 I pray that your love will keep on growing and you will fully know and understand
10 how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day,