2 Corinthians 13:1-14
This
will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the
testimony of two or three witnesses.”
2 I already gave you a warning when I was
with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I
will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,
3 since you are demanding proof that CHRIST is speaking through me. HE IS NOT WEAK in
dealing with you, but is POWERFUL among you.
4 For to be sure, HE was
crucified in weakness, yet HE lives by GOD’S POWER. Likewise, we are weak in
him, yet by GOD’S POWER
we will live with HIM in our dealing with you.
5 Examine yourselves to see
whether you are in THE
FAITH; test yourselves. Do you not realize that CHRIST JESUS is in
you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
6 And
I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
7 Now we pray to GOD that you will not
do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but
so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
8 For we cannot do anything against THE TRUTH, but only
for THE TRUTH.
9 We are glad whenever we are
weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully
restored.
10 This is why I write these things
when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of
authority—the authority THE
LORD gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
11 Finally, brothers and
sisters,
·
rejoice!
·
Strive
for full restoration,
·
encourage
one another,
·
be
of one mind,
·
live
in peace.
And THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE will
be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy
kiss.
13 All GOD’s people here send their greetings.
14 May the GRACE of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and THE LOVE of GOD, and THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT be with you all.”
