When I remember the tears you shed I long night and day to see you again, and have the perfect happiness

For the Spirit God has given us is a spirit not of timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So you must not be ashamed to testify to our Lord, nor be ashamed of me who am in prison for his sake, but join with me in suffering for the good news, through the power of God.

He saved us and called us to a consecrated life, not for anything we had done, but of his own accord and out of the mercy which he bestowed upon us ages ago through Christ Jesus,

This is why I am suffering as I am, but I am not ashamed of it, for I know whom I have trusted and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have intrusted to him for that Day.

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often cheered me and was not ashamed of my being in prison.

for the sake of which I even suffer imprisonment as a criminal. But God's message is not imprisoned!

In any large house there are not only gold and silver dishes but also wooden and earthen ones, some for great occasions and some for ordinary use.

and a slave of the Lord must not quarrel, but treat everyone kindly; he must be persuasive and unresentful,

But they will not make much progress, for everyone will perceive their folly, just as they did that of those others.

For a time will come when they will not listen to wholesome instruction, but will overwhelm themselves with teachers to suit their whims and tickle their fancies,

But you must always be composed; do not shrink from hardship; do your work as a missionary, and your whole duty as a minister.

Now the crown of uprightness awaits me, which the Lord, the upright judge, will award me on that Day, and not only me but also all who have loved and hoped for his appearing.