So I beg you not to lose heart over the sorrows that I am suffering for your sake, for they bring you honor.

So I, a prisoner for the Lord's sake, entreat you to live lives worthy of the call you have received,

and practice living in love, just as Christ loved you too and gave Himself for you as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But sexual vice and any form of immorality or sensual greed must not so much as be mentioned among you, as that is the only course becoming in God's people;

for the sake of which I am an envoy in prison: so that, when I tell it, I may speak as courageously as I ought.

That you may also know how I am, Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and a faithful minister in the Lord's service, will give you all the information;

that is the very reason I am sending him, to let you know how I am and to cheer your hearts.