19 You are praying for me, and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me. So I know that this trouble will bring my freedom.
20 The thing I want and hope for is that I will not fail Christ in anything. I hope that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth. I want to do that if I die or if I live.
21 To me the only important thing about living is Christ. And even death would be profit for me.
22 If I continue living in the body, I will be able to work for the Lord. But what should I choose—living or dying? I do not know.
23 It is hard to choose between the two. I want to leave this life and be with Christ. That is much better.
24 But you need me here in my body.
25 I know that you need me, and so I know that I will stay with you. I will help you grow and have joy in your faith.