I ask all of you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree with one another and not argue. Look and think about things in the same way.
Finally, brothers and sisters, be joyful! Work to make everything right with one another. Encourage one another and agree with each other. Live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
But we should always thank God for you, brothers and sisters, because the Lord loves you and chose you as the first to be saved. This has happened through the work of the Holy Spirit, which makes people holy, and through your belief in the truth.
Even though I’m away from you in body, I’m with you in spirit, and I am glad to see that you’re well-disciplined and that your faith in Christ is so strong.
We were comforted by his arrival, and also by the comfort you had given him. He told us how much you longed for me and about your deep sadness and great concern for me. That made me happier than ever.
I wrote the way I did so that when I came, you wouldn’t make me sad when you’re supposed to make me happy. I was sure that you would all want the same things I wanted.
The bride belongs to the groom. The friend who helps the groom waits and listens for him, and he’s filled with joy when he hears the groom’s voice. That joy is mine, and now it is complete.