For even if I boasted somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I would not be ashamed:
I desired Titus to go, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus get a gain from you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?
Therefore I write these things being absent, so that being present I need not use severity, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification, and not for destruction.
I told you before, and tell you beforehand, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to those who previously have sinned, and to all others, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
And I wrote this same to you, so that, when I came, I would not have sorrow from those for whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easily approached, full of mercy and good fruits, without bias, and without hypocrisy.