For Godis my witness,howI longfor you allwith the affectionof ChristJesus.
Therefore,my belovedbrethrenwhom I long[to see], my joyand crown,in this waystand firmin the Lord,my beloved.
For God,whomI servein my spiritin the [preaching of the] gospelof His Son,is my witness[as to] howunceasinglyI makementionof you,
longingto seeyou, even as I recallyour tears,sothat I may be filledwith joy.
Havingsofond an affectionfor you, we were well-pleasedto impartto you not onlythe gospelof Godbut alsoour ownlives,becauseyou had becomevery dearto us.
I am tellingthe truthin Christ,I am not lying,my consciencetestifieswith me in the HolySpirit,
I have sent him backto you in person,that is, [sending] my very heart,
"Is EphraimMy dearson?Is he a delightfulchild?Indeed,as oftenas I have spokenagainst him, I certainly[still] rememberhim; ThereforeMy heartyearnsfor him; I will surelyhavemercyon him," declaresthe LORD.
For I wantyou to knowhow greata struggleI haveon your behalfand for thosewhoare at Laodicea,and for all those whohave not personallyseenmy face,
My children,with whomI amagainin laboruntilChristis formedin you--
(Nowin whatI am writingto you, I assureyou beforeGodthat I am not lying.)
His affectionabounds all the moretowardyou, as he remembersthe obedienceof you all,howyou receivedhim with fearand trembling.
You are not restrainedby us, but you are restrainedin your own affections.
Becauseof the tendermercyof our God,With whichthe Sunrisefrom on highwill visitus,
Lookdownfrom heavenand seefrom Your holyand glorioushabitation;Whereare Your zealand Your mightydeeds?The stirringsof Your heartand Your compassionare restrainedtowardme.
Thereforemy heartintoneslike a harpfor MoabAnd my inwardfeelingsfor Kir-hareseth.
But whoeverhasthe world'sgoods,and seeshis brotherin needand closeshis heartagainsthim, howdoes the loveof Godabidein him?
Yes,brother,let me benefitfrom you in the Lord;refreshmy heartin Christ.
For we nevercamewith flatteringspeech,as you know,norwith a pretextfor greed--Godis witness--
So,as those who have been chosenof God,holyand beloved,puton a heartof compassion,kindness,humility,gentlenessand patience;
becausehe was longingfor you alland was distressedbecauseyou had heardthat he was sick.
Thereforeifthere is anyencouragementin Christ,ifthere is anyconsolationof love,ifthere is anyfellowshipof the Spirit,ifanyaffectionand compassion,
For we rejoicewhenwe ourselvesare weakbut you are strong;thiswe alsoprayfor, that you be made complete.
"Evennow,behold,my witnessis in heaven,And my advocateis on high.
For you are allsonsof Godthroughfaithin ChristJesus.