3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.
5 I am happy because you have joined me in spreading the good news. You have done so from the first day until now.
6 I 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.
7 It 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.
8 God can give witness that I long for all of you. I love you with the love that Christ Jesus gives.
9 I pray that your love will grow more and more. And let it be based on knowledge and understanding.