7. even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.
8. For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
10. so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;