My goal is that they will all be encouraged in their hearts and joined together in love. Then their understanding will be rich and complete, and they will know the mystery of God, which is Christ.
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to warn certain people who don’t want to work and who are being disruptive. Encourage those who have lost hope, help those who are weak, and be patient with everyone.
That’s why, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, I sent someone to find out about your faith. I was afraid that Satan had tempted you in some way and that our work among you had been useless.
I asked Titus to go to you, and I sent our brother with him. Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? Weren’t he and I guided by the same Spirit to do the very same kinds of things?
He’s the God who gives all comfort, comforting us in all our troubles. As a result, we can comfort others when they’re in trouble, using the comfort that we’ve received from God.
That’s the reason why I’ve sent Timothy to you. He’s like a son to me, and I love him. He’s faithful in serving the Lord. He’ll remind you of the way I live as a servant of Christ Jesus. I myself follow what I teach everywhere in all the churches.