Jerusalem rejoices because of what the LORD has done. She is like a bride dressed for her wedding. God has clothed her with salvation and victory.

Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty,

I will still be joyful and glad, because the LORD God is my savior.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete.

We are not trying to dictate to you what you must believe; we know that you stand firm in the faith. Instead, we are working with you for your own happiness.

Yes, may you come to know his love---although it can never be fully known---and so be completely filled with the very nature of God.

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,

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.

I have so much to tell you, but I would rather not do it with paper and ink; instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you personally, so that we shall be completely happy.