1 If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2 make my joy full so that you are of the same mind, have the same love, are united in spirit, and have the same purpose. 3 Do nothing through selfishness or empty pride, but instead in lowliness of mind count others better than yourself. 4 Do not look out for each of your own needs, but also look out for the needs of others. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,
19 But I expect in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that his report may also encourage me when I know how you are doing. 20 I have no one like Timothy who will truly care for you. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not the things of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy has proven himself, because, as a child serves his father, so he served with me in the spread of the gospel. 23 Therefore I expect to send him as soon as I see how things will go with me. 24 But I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon, also. 25 I think it necessary to send you back Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need. 26 Because you heard he was sick, he was deeply distressed and longed to be with you all. 27 For indeed he was so sick he almost died, but God had mercy on him. And not on him only, but also on me that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am eager to send him so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I will not worry so much. 29 Welcome Epaphroditus in the Lord with all joy and honor him as people like him deserve, 30 because he almost died doing the work of Christ, as he risked his life to serve me and supply my needs, in place of you who could not do it.