Philippians 2:25-30

25However, I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, [who has been] my brother and companion and fellow soldier, who was also sent as your messenger to take care of my needs.

26For he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

27He certainly was sick and close to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.

28So I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.

29Welcome him home in the Lord with great joy, and appreciate and honor men like him;

30because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me [which distance prevented you from rendering personally].