Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that -- whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent -- I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,

though I am confident in the Lord that I too will be coming to see you soon.

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you can rejoice and I can be free from anxiety.

So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!

Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near!

I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.