1Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or self-glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others as surpassing himself. 4Let each of you not look out for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider clinging, to be equal with God, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found comprised as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, cultivate your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14Do all things without murmuring and disputing, 15that you may be blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16holding fast the Word of Life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 17Yes, and if I am being poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18For the same cause you also be glad and rejoice with me. 19But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. 25Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, and your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, that I should not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I send him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in honor; 30because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.