7 It is right and appropriate for me to have this confidence and feel this way about you all, because [2]you have me in your heart and I hold you in my heart as partakers and sharers, one and all with me, of grace (God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing). [This is true] both when I am shut up in prison and when I am out in the defense and confirmation of the good news (the Gospel).

8 For God is my witness how I long for and [3]pursue you all with love, in the tender mercy of Christ Jesus [Himself]!

9 And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may [4]display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment],