That’s the way it will be with you. Now is a time of sadness for you, but I will see you again. Then you’ll be full of joy, and no one will take your joy away.
You know how generous our Lord Jesus Christ was. Even though he was rich, he became poor for your sake, so that because he became poor, you would become rich.
‘I know that you’re suffering and that you’re poor—but you’re rich! I know how you’re being insulted by people who claim to be Jews but aren’t. They’re a synagogue of Satan.
My dear brothers and sisters, listen to me. Hasn’t God chosen those who are poor in the world’s eyes to be rich in faith? Hasn’t he chosen them to receive the kingdom that he promised to give to those who love him?
You suffered along with people in prison, and when your property was taken from you, you accepted that with joy, because you knew that God had given you better and more lasting things.
And you imitated both us and the Lord Jesus, because even in the midst of terrible suffering, you welcomed our message with the joy that the Holy Spirit gives.
Let the message about Christ live among you richly as you teach and correct one another with great wisdom. Sing psalms and hymns and songs from the Spirit to God with gratitude in your hearts.
But even if my life is going to be poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I’ll be glad and joyful with all of you.
But if Israel’s going wrong has brought riches to the world, and their loss has brought riches to the Gentiles, how much greater riches will come when all Israel turns back to God!
But we’re like clay jars that hold a valuable treasure. We carry the good news around in these earthly bodies of ours to show that its mighty power comes from God and not from us.
I wrote to you in great distress, with a heavy heart, and with my eyes full of tears. I wasn’t trying to upset you. I just wanted you to know how deeply I love you.