For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,

(Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor in pretense of covetousness; God is witness.

since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.

My little children, for whom I travail again until Christ is formed in you,

For I want you to know what a great struggle I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you had become beloved to us.

greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

Therefore my stomach shall growl like a harp for Moab, and my inner being for Kir- heres.

Look down from Heaven, and look down from the place of Your holiness and of Your glory. Where is Your zeal and Your strength, the multitude of Your tender affections and of Your mercies toward me? Are they restrained?

Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? For as often as I spoke against him, I call to mind and remember him still. Therefore My heart is stirred for him; I will have mercy and compassion upon him, says Jehovah.

through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;

You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.

And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,

Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?