11 I am not telling you this because I need anything. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens.
12 I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough.
13 I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
14 But it was good that you helped me when I needed it.
15 You Philippians remember when I first preached the Good News there. When I left Macedonia, you were the only church that gave me help.
16 Several times you sent me things I needed when I was in Thessalonica.
17 Really, it is not that I want to receive gifts from you, but I want you to have the good that comes from giving.