Some people think that we live in a worldly way. I plan to be very bold against those people when I come. I beg you that when I come I will not need to use that same boldness \{with you\}.
People that live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want. But those people that live following the Spirit {\cf2\super [62]} are thinking about the things that the Spirit wants them to do.
Do you think that I made those plans without really thinking? Or maybe you think I make plans like the world makes plans, so that I say, “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time.
I’m writing these things while I’m not with you. I’m writing so that when I come I will not have to use my power to punish you. The Lord gave me that power to make you stronger, not to destroy you.
When I was with you the second time, I gave a warning to those people who had sinned. Now I am away from you, and I give a warning to all the other people \{who have sinned\}: When I come to you again, I will punish you \{for your sin\}.