But in my opinion, she will be happier if she remains as she is – and I think that I too have the Spirit of God!

ט (Tet) Those who died by the sword ¹  are better off than those who die of hunger, ²  those who ³  waste away, ⁴  struck down ⁵  from lack of ⁶  food. ⁷ 

You make me happier ¹  than those who have abundant grain and wine. ² 

So I considered ¹  those who are dead and gone ²  more fortunate than those who are still alive. ³ 

I have no greater joy than this: to hear ¹  that my children are living according to the truth. ² 

By all these things, ¹  I have shown you that by working in this way we must help ²  the weak, ³  and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” ⁴ 

But better than both is the one who has not been born ¹  and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth. ² 

And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, ¹  he will rejoice more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner ¹  who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people ²  who have no need to repent. ³ 

I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.) ¹