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Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

A Fresh Look for a Generation Seeking Real Faith

You’ve probably seen the list on a church wall, a t-shirt, or a Pinterest post:
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control.
That’s the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

But here’s the thing: these aren’t just “nice Christian traits” you try to copy. They’re evidence that something supernatural is growing inside you, something the Holy Spirit is actively forming. Let’s break them down one by one in a way that speaks to real life.

1. LOVE

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

We live in a world where love is often performative. It’s in captions and emojis, but not always in action. The Holy Spirit teaches us to love people even when they’re difficult, unlovable, or don’t benefit us.
Real love:

Listens before speaking
Forgives even when it hurts
Stays when it’s easier to walk away

2. JOY

“Though you have not seen him, you love him… you are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” – 1 Peter 1:8

Joy is different from happiness. It’s not tied to a vibe, a relationship, or a goal. Joy is deep and steady.
You can be battling anxiety and still carry joy. You can be broke and still feel joy. Why? Because joy is rooted in who God is, not what life looks like.

3. PEACE

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

Peace isn’t passive. It’s fierce trust in the middle of chaos.
For young people constantly hit with bad news, mental pressure, and overthinking, peace feels rare. But the Holy Spirit anchors us when the world spins. Peace shows up in how we handle pressure, stay grounded in prayer, and choose surrender over control.

4. PATIENCE

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2

We’re an instant generation, streaming, deliveries, dating apps. We’re wired for now.
But spiritual maturity grows in the slow seasons. Patience is learning to:

Wait without whining
Love people who don’t “get it” yet
Trust God’s timeline, not your own

It’s not natural, but it’s powerful and deeply needed in a culture obsessed with speed.

5. KINDNESS

“God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.” – Romans 2:4

Kindness isn’t just random acts. It’s intentional compassion.
It’s DM-ing someone just to check in.
It’s being gentle when you have every reason to be cold.
It’s choosing not to clap back even when you could go viral.
Kindness is powerful because it reflects the kindness God showed us.

6. GOODNESS

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21

Goodness is about integrity when no one’s watching.
It’s not about being a “good person”, it’s about choosing what’s right, even when it costs you.
It’s:

Being honest when you could cut corners
Calling out injustice, even if it’s unpopular
Living with purity in a world that celebrates compromise

7. FAITHFULNESS

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’” – Matthew 25:21

This one’s about showing up in relationships, in responsibilities, and in your walk with God.
Faithfulness says:

“I’ll keep praying, even when I feel nothing.”
“I’ll show up for my friends when it’s not convenient.”
“I’ll follow through on what I said.”

In a culture that glorifies jumping ship, faithfulness is countercultural—and deeply beautiful.

8. GENTLENESS

“Let your gentleness be evident to all.” – Philippians 4:5

Gentleness isn’t weakness. It’s controlled strength.
In a world where loud = power, the Spirit teaches us a quieter strength.
Gentleness shows up when:

You disagree without disrespecting
You lead without dominating
You correct without crushing

Jesus was gentle with the broken and we’re called to be like Him.

9. SELF-CONTROL

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

Without self-control, everything else crumbles.
It’s the Spirit saying:

“Don’t send that text.”
“Pause before you scroll.”
“Say no when you know it’s not worth it.”

This fruit guards your peace, protects your witness, and empowers you to make decisions that align with your purpose not your impulse.

Final Thoughts: Fruit Takes Time

You don’t become a walking, talking Fruit Basket overnight.
But if you stay rooted in Jesus, the Holy Spirit will grow this fruit in you gradually, powerfully, and authentically.

You might not see it every day. But others will.
And in a world craving something real, the Spirit’s fruit is the loudest quiet message you’ll ever carry.

Ask Yourself:

Which fruit comes easiest for me?
Which one is God stretching in me right now?
How can I lean into the Spirit more today?

Next Step:

If you’re serious about growth, start a “Fruit Check” journal every week, reflect on one fruit and ask:

“How did I live this out or not this week?”

Spiritual growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. And you don’t walk it alone, the Spirit walks with you.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

When you think of a successful businesswoman, what comes to mind? Maybe someone who is independent, hardworking, and respected. Now, imagine someone like that but also deeply committed to God. That’s Lydia, a business-savvy, God-fearing woman who played a major role in the early church.

Lydia wasn’t a preacher or prophetess, yet her faith, generosity, and leadership helped spread the gospel. Her story shows that you don’t have to stand on a stage to make an impact, you can serve God right where you are. Let’s dive into seven powerful lessons from her life!

1. She Made Time for God, Even with a Busy Schedule

Acts 16:13 (KJV) – “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.”

Lydia was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth, a luxury product in her time. She had money, influence, and responsibilities, yet she still made time to seek God. When Paul arrived in Philippi, she was already at a prayer gathering with other women.

In today’s world, it’s easy to say, “I’m too busy for God.” School, work, and life keep us occupied. But Lydia shows us that no matter how full our schedules get, seeking God should always be a priority.

2. She Had an Open Heart for God’s Word

Acts 16:14 (KJV) – “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”

Lydia was already a worshipper of God, but when she heard Paul preaching about Jesus, she embraced the gospel fully. She didn’t just listen, she responded.

Many people hear about Jesus but never truly respond. Lydia didn’t just agree with what Paul said—she let God change her heart. Are we open to God speaking to us, or are we too distracted to listen?

3. She Took Immediate Action in Her Faith

Acts 16:15 (KJV) – “And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate. As soon as she understood the truth about Jesus, she took action, she got baptized, and she made sure her whole household did too.

Sometimes, we feel God calling us to take a step, maybe to get baptized, start reading the Bible more, or make a change in our lives. But we hesitate, waiting for the “perfect moment.” Lydia teaches us that when God moves in our hearts, we need to respond quickly.

4. She Used Her Resources for God’s Kingdom

Acts 16:40 (KJV) – “And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.”

Lydia was wealthy, but she didn’t keep her blessings to herself. She opened her home as a meeting place for believers, making it a safe space for the early church to grow.

Many of us want God to bless us with success, but are we willing to use our blessings for Him? Lydia’s generosity helped spread the gospel. How can you use what you have, your time, money, talents, or even your home—to serve others?

5. She Had a Generous Spirit

Proverbs 11:25 (KJV) – “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate to give, whether it was her home, resources, or hospitality. Her generosity fueled the mission of the early church, proving that faith isn’t just about what we receive but also about what we give.

In a world that tells us to chase wealth for personal gain, Lydia shows that true prosperity comes from a generous heart. Success is great, but helping others along the way is even greater.

6. She Was a Leader in the Faith

Philippians 1:3-5 (KJV) – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

The church in Philippi, which Lydia helped start, became one of the strongest early Christian communities. Paul later wrote to them, thanking them for their faith and generosity.

Lydia’s faith didn’t just affect her, it built up an entire community of believers. She reminds us that our faith isn’t just for us; it’s meant to impact those around us.

7. She Shows That Faith and Success Can Go Together

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Lydia was a successful businesswoman, but she put God first. She didn’t see faith and success as two separate things—she used her success to glorify God.

Many people think they have to choose between faith and success, but Lydia proves you can have both. When you put God first, everything else will fall into place.

Conclusion

Lydia was a real-life boss lady who put God first and made a lasting impact. She proves that you don’t need a pulpit to be a leader in God’s kingdom, you just need a heart that’s willing to serve.

So, how can you be like Lydia this month?

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Birthdays are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate life, reflect on our journey, and give thanks for the blessings we’ve received. The Bible offers numerous verses that can inspire and uplift us on these special occasions. Here are seven Bible verses that are perfect for celebrating birthdays:

1. Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

A birthday is a powerful reminder that God has a plan for each of us. As we celebrate another year of life, it’s comforting to know that our future is in His hands, filled with hope and promise.

2. Psalm 139:13-14

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Celebrating a birthday is a perfect time to reflect on the wonder of our creation and the love that God has for us.

3. Proverbs 9:11

“For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.”

Blessings come with living a life guided by wisdom. It encourages us to seek wisdom in our daily lives, promising that doing so will add to our days and enrich our years.

4. James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Birthdays are a celebration of the gift of life, and this verse reminds us that every good thing we have comes from God. It’s an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received over the past year.

5. Psalm 91:11

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

As we celebrate birthdays, it’s reassuring to remember God’s promise of protection. This verse assures us that God watches over us and sends His angels to guard us in all our endeavors.

6. Lamentations 3:22-23

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Each birthday is a testament to His compassion and a new beginning filled with His mercy and love.

7. Philippians 1:6

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

We are encouraged to trust that God is continually working in our lives. Our birthdays are milestones in the journey He has set for us, and He will faithfully complete the good work He has begun in us.

Conclusion

Celebrating birthdays with these Bible verses can bring a deeper sense of meaning and gratitude to the occasion. Reflecting on God’s promises, His love, and His plans for our lives adds a spiritual dimension to our celebrations, reminding us of His presence and purpose in our journey. Happy Birthday!

1 Nyiiŋǝ lir lǝni Bɔɔlɔs-ŋǝ Ṯiimɔɔthaaws-gi, lir yaḏaam yǝthi Kwɔrɔstɔ kwǝni Yǝcu.

Laaginna-ŋǝsi tatap kila lirllinǝlɔ ter, ethi Kwɔrɔstɔ-na kwǝni Yǝcu kila linaanɔ Fiilibbii, nǝ limɔṯraan-ŋǝ shamamisa-gi:

2 Ethi Allah wir Papa kwǝri, nǝ Kweeleny kwǝni Yǝcu Kwɔrɔstɔ inḏǝthǝ ŋaaŋwɔsi ne@ma nǝ ŋiiɽǝnnǝ tok.

Ṯaara kiyiiriny ṯǝthi Bɔɔlɔs.

Lydia: The Boss Lady Who Put God First

Many people think they have to choose between faith and success, but Lydia proves you can have both. When you put God first, everything else will fall into place.

Celebrating Birthdays: 7 Bible Verses to Reflect On

Celebrating birthdays with these Bible verses can bring a deeper sense of meaning and gratitude to the occasion. Reflecting on God's promises, His love, and His plans for our lives adds a spiritual dimension to our celebrations, reminding us of His presence and purpose in our journey. Happy Birthday!

3 Nyii kwǝṯi ǝccǝ Allah wiinyi shukran nyaamin tatap mǝŋǝsi kithaayini; 4 nǝ nyaamin tatap mǝŋǝsi ǝrici kiyiiriny, ǝṯi-nyii aari kiyiiriny kwinyiŋlana, 5 ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋa ŋimǝccǝr-nyii-ŋi ki-ŋothɽor-na ŋǝthi Inyjiil ki-laamin-la liŋna mindaŋ kirem kwɔmoro kimaara. 6 Nǝ nyii kwilŋithi rac rerrem ethaarɔŋw, Allah wa waari ibṯǝḏi ŋothɽor daŋgal-na, ŋɔŋsi-tǝ ǝrrǝthǝ mindaŋ mǝr ernene ki Laamin-la lǝthi Yǝcu Kwɔrɔstɔ. 7 Ŋaaŋa kɔlɔ linaanɔ nyaamin tatap ki-ṯɔgwor-na ṯiinyi. Ŋwɔṯaŋw nǝr ɔvthanni duŋgwu-nyii ethi iccini ṯǝŋw ŋaaŋwɔsi-li tatap. Kaka nɔɽɔmaṯṯi-ŋa-gwɔ tatap nyii-gi ki-ne@ma-na-ŋgwɔ kwinḏǝthǝ-nyii Allah, nǝ ki-sijin-nǝ ŋgwɔ kwɔnaaniny-gwɔna, nǝ kinaŋw nikǝdinǝny-gwɔ ethi rocce Inyjiilǝ mindaŋ ethi ǝnyjǝlɔ kidi-kidir. 8 Allah wir shuhuuḏ kwiinyi, nyii kwǝni kwandisa rerrem nǝccǝ-ŋǝsiŋw, sɔɔrɔm kwiinyi kwɔppa kwǝni ŋaaŋa tatap, kwuruuthi ki-ṯɔgwor-na ṯǝthi Kwɔrɔstɔ kwǝni Yǝcu.

9 Nyii kwǝṯaari kiyiiriny mindaŋ ethi ṯamɽa ṯaalɔ kikindǝthǝ keereny-gi ṯilŋiṯṯathina ṯir rerrem nǝ ki-ṯǝthinǝ yǝnǝ tok ṯir min-min, 10 mindaŋ mǝthi ŋɔma ethisi allana ŋa ŋisaaw beṯṯen, mindaŋ mǝ sɔɔɽi nǝ meere lɔɔma-na leere tok mac ki Laamin-la lǝthi Kwɔrɔstɔ. 11 Mindaŋ mǝ urǝnni-nǝ deddep ŋwɔɔla-ŋi ŋwɔthi ŋirllalɔ, ŋwɔṯiila Yǝcu Kwɔrɔstɔ-ŋgi, ethi nii Allah-na nǝ ethi biɽǝthǝ yiriny tok.

Mǝrǝni ŋimiitha-tǝ, nǝ Kwɔrɔstɔ oro.

12 Nyii kwɔnaŋna-ŋǝsi ethisi elŋe ŋɔ liyǝŋgǝri liinyi, kwomne-ŋgwɔ kwǝrrinicǝ-nyii kwɔmǝ mǝcci Inyjiilɔ rerrem ethi kikkiɽǝthi. 13 Ŋwɔṯaŋw nǝ jesh tatap lizi-li lithaathɔ limǝ elŋe ethaarɔŋw kwɔnaani ki-sijin-nǝ sǝbǝb-gi kwǝthi Kwɔrɔstɔ. 14 Nanni kwiinyi kwɔnaaniny-gi ki-sijin-nǝ, kwɔmǝ firllasi liyǝŋgǝriŋw-silǝ luuru ethi Kweeleny-na. Mindaŋ nǝrǝthi ŋuugul-nǝ ŋuuru ethi andasi ŋiɽaŋali ŋǝthi Allah, liti lǝthi tithenya-na tokwo kaamin-gi ḏuṯ.

15 Ŋǝni rerrem ethaarɔŋw kila lokwo lǝṯi aari bǝshirǝ Kwɔrɔstɔ-ŋgi ki-lizi-nǝ kee-ŋgi ŋiɽany nǝ ŋurrǝthǝ-ŋi tok, laakin lithaathɔ tǝ, nǝr-sǝrri rɔgwor-ri risaaw. 16 Kilɔ lǝthi kwaathan-ŋwɔ, ǝṯirsi ǝrri ṯamɽa-thi, kaka nilŋithir-gwɔ ethaarɔŋw Allah winḏǝthǝ-nyii ŋothɽor ethi-ŋi rocce Inyjiilǝ. 17 Nǝ kila lithaathɔ lǝthi kerreny-ŋwɔ, ǝṯirseere aami andasiŋw ŋǝthi Kwɔrɔstɔ mac, laakin ǝṯirsi andasi ṯigɽim-thi ṯǝthi ṯamɽa rogɽo, ǝṯir naŋni ethi kiɽǝcci nyuŋwɔ ṯurvǝ a-naaniny-tǝ kinnǝni ki-sijin-nǝ. 18 Laakin ŋende ŋɔrɔɔthathi-nyii ŋiɽaŋal ŋeere mac! Ŋɔ ŋaaminy-ŋina rac, ethi Kwɔrɔstɔ ǝrinni bǝshirǝ raay-ri tatap, ǝrrinǝr-gwɔ rɔgwor-rina alla rɔgwor-ri risaaw, nyii-tǝ nannitha kwaamina dok.

19 Aaw, nyii kwinḏi-tǝ ethi nyeŋlena ṯir-ṯir. Kaka nilŋithiny-gwɔ ethaarɔŋw, ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋǝthi ṯaara ṯaalɔ kiyiiriny, nǝ ṯimǝccǝ-thi tok ṯǝthi Ṯigɽim ṯǝthi Yǝcu Kwɔrɔstɔ, a ŋiɽaŋal ŋɔ orlle ethoro ŋiglǝthǝ ŋiinyi. 20 Sɔɔrɔm kwiinyi kwɔppa nǝ ṯigittatha tok, nǝrǝniŋw nyii kwiti kwinḏi ethi bɔlgwɔnythi ḏuṯ ki-ŋothɽor-na ŋiinyi, laakin nyii kǝniny urǝnni-nǝ deddep ŋuugul-ŋi nyaamin tatap, nǝ kire-kirem-ŋgwɔ-ṯǝ kǝniny tok, mindaŋ mǝ Kwɔrɔstɔ niini-nǝ kirem dok-dok kaŋna-na wiinyi, a-naaniny-gwɔ tǝ kinnǝni kwɔmiithɔ alla kwaayɔ. 21 Mǝnyii naani kwɔmiithɔ tǝ, ǝṯi ŋimiitha ǝni ŋǝthi Kwɔrɔstɔ, na mǝny ai tǝ, nǝ ṯǝginǝ oro. 22 Laakin mǝr-tǝ ǝniŋw ethi naani kwɔmiithɔ aŋna-yi nǝr-ǝniŋw ethi kikiɽǝzi ŋwɔɔla ŋwisaaw. Laakin ninyjeere elŋe mac ŋindǝr ŋǝndu tittir ŋǝnyji alla, kandisa kimǝ-nyii firllaṯa. 23 Nyii-ŋgwɔ kwɔmɔltɔ-na raay riɽǝndǝk. Ninyǝthi sɔɔrɔma etheele ethi naani Kwɔrɔstɔ-gi, nǝrǝni ŋɔvthanna beṯṯen. 24 Laakin ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋǝni ŋaalɔ tǝ, nǝrǝni kǝniny ŋisaaw beṯṯen eṯhi nǝnyji ŋaaŋwɔsi kwɔmiithɔ aŋna-yi. 25 Ŋilŋithi-nyji ŋɔ rac dedder, na nǝnyji elŋe tok ethaarɔŋw nyii-ŋgwɔ kwinḏi ethi nanni ŋaaŋali tatap, mindaŋ mǝ kikiɽǝthi, nǝ ethi nyeŋlena ki-ṯǝmminǝ-nǝ, 26 ŋwɔṯaŋw, mǝnyii iila naaniŋa-gwɔ kwokwony tǝ, e-ta ǝmǝ ǝthi sǝbǝbǝ kwǝthi-gi piŋi rogɽo raalɔ ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋǝni ŋiinyi, kaka nɔɽɔmaṯṯi-ŋa gwɔ ki-ŋimiitha-na Kwɔrɔstɔ-ŋǝli kwǝni Yǝcu.

27 Ethi ŋethre ŋaalɔ nii Inyjiilǝ-nǝ wǝthi Kwɔrɔstɔ, mindaŋ minyoro kwǝthiila etheese ŋaaŋwɔsi alla mǝnyii tǝ kinnǝni rucci ŋaaŋwɔsi-na, ǝnyji neŋne ŋǝni ŋaalɔ ethaarɔŋw, ŋaaŋa kila-tǝ lǝṯi ǝnyji ŋwaara-lɔ tetter ṯigɽim-thi ṯɔtɔpɔt, fikir-gi kwɔtɔpɔt, lɔthɔgthathisa ruɽumǝ-ri ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋǝthi ṯǝmminǝ ṯǝthi Inyjiil. 28 Ǝṯi ṯiinya ṯuwǝnu ṯaalɔ kwomne-gi kweere mac. Ŋilŋithina ŋɔ dedder ethaarɔŋw, ṯigiirathalɔ ṯeeŋen ṯindǝr-ṯǝ kɔthɔ. Laakin ŋiglǝthǝ ŋaalɔ tǝ, nǝr iila naanɔ-gwɔ Allah. 29 Kaka nuruusǝr-ŋǝsi lɔvthanna ethi ǝkkici Kwɔrɔstɔ-ŋw ŋothɽor, etheere ǝmminci ŋunduŋw ṯɔɽɔk mac, laakin ethi rǝrinni ŋiɽaŋal-ɽi ŋǝni ŋundu tok. 30 Ɔɽɔmaṯṯir dɔŋw nyii-gi mindaŋ ǝri ṯɔgthi. Ŋǝriyǝ ŋirṯa-ŋa ŋette-ŋette ŋiisacar-nyji kinaŋw nɔthɔgthi-nyii kerreny, nǝ ŋɔ-ṯa tok ŋiniŋna-ŋǝsi ŋinaaniny-gwɔna kwɔthɔgthɔ.

1 From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus—

To all God's people in Philippi who are in union with Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and helpers:

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Paul's Prayer for His Readers

3 I thank my God for you every time I think of you; 4 and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy 5 because of the way in which you have helped me in the work of the gospel from the very first day until now. 6 And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus. 7 You are always in my heart! And so it is only right for me to feel as I do about you. For you have all shared with me in this privilege that God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend the gospel and establish it firmly. 8 God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus himself.

9 I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, 10 so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. 11 Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.

To Live Is Christ

12 I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. 13 As a result, the whole palace guard and all the others here know that I am in prison because I am a servant of Christ. 14 And my being in prison has given most of the believers more confidence in the Lord, so that they grow bolder all the time to preach the message fearlessly.

15 Of course some of them preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome, but others from genuine good will. 16 These do so from love, because they know that God has given me the work of defending the gospel. 17 The others do not proclaim Christ sincerely, but from a spirit of selfish ambition; they think that they will make more trouble for me while I am in prison.

18 It does not matter! I am happy about it—just so Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy, 19 because I know that by means of your prayers and the help which comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ I shall be set free. 20 My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more. 22 But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. 23 I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; 24 but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive. 25 I am sure of this, and so I know that I will stay. I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that when I am with you again, you will have even more reason to be proud of me in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

27 Now, the important thing is that your way of life should be as the gospel of Christ requires, so that, whether or not I am able to go and see you, I will hear that you are standing firm with one common purpose and that with only one desire you are fighting together for the faith of the gospel. 28 Don't be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory. 29 For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him. 30 Now you can take part with me in the battle. It is the same battle you saw me fighting in the past, and as you hear, the one I am fighting still.