But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you;
of your faith and charity: Their "faith" is God-ward (1:8). Their "charity" (love) is man-ward (4:9). In spite of adversity, they are fulfilling their responsibilities to both God and man. Some scholars interpret "faith" here, as fidelity or obedient faith.