For thisreasonI am writingthese thingswhile absent,sothat when presentI [need] not useseverity,in accordancewith the authoritywhichthe Lordgaveme for buildingup and not for tearing down.
Whatdo you desire?Shall I cometo you with a rod,orwith loveand a spiritof gentleness?
In the nameof our LordJesus,when you are assembled,and I with you in spirit,with the powerof our LordJesus,
I askthat when I am presentI [need] not be boldwith the confidencewith whichI proposeto be courageousagainstsome,who regardus as ifwe walkedaccordingto the flesh.
for the weaponsof our warfareare not of the flesh,but divinelypowerfulfor the destructionof fortresses.
For evenifI boastsomewhatfurtheraboutour authority,whichthe Lordgavefor buildingyou up and not for destroyingyou, I will not be put to shame,
I have previously saidwhenpresentthe second time,and though nowabsentI say in advanceto thosewho have sinned in the pastand to allthe rest[as well], that ifI comeagainI will not spare[anyone],
For we cando nothingagainstthe truth,but [only] for the truth.
Thisis the very thingI wroteyou, sothat when I came,I would not havesorrowfrom those whoought to makeme rejoice;having confidencein you allthat my joywould be [the joy] of you all.
in purity,in knowledge,in patience,in kindness,in the HolySpirit,in genuinelove,
Thistestimonyis true.For thisreasonreprovethem severelysothat they may be soundin the faith,