24. however, you people need me here alive.
25. I am sure of this, so I know that I will stay here and be with you to help you grow and have joy in your faith.
26. When I am there with you again, you will be bursting with pride over what Christ Jesus did to help me.
27. Just be sure you live as God’s people in a way that honors the Good News of Christ. Then if I come and visit you or if I am away from you, I will hear good things about you. I will know that you stand together with the same purpose and that you work together like a team to help others believe the Good News.
28. And you will not be afraid of those who are against you. All of this is proof from God that you are being saved and that your enemies will be lost.
29. God has blessed you in ways that serve Christ. He allowed you to believe in Christ. But that is not all. He has also given you the honor of suffering for Christ. Both of these bring glory to Christ.
30. You saw the difficulties I had to face, and you hear that I am still having troubles. Now you must face them too.