we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed,

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with indignation?

as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus different from the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough!

For if I boast somewhat more about our authority that the Lord gave us for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of doing so.

Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, we do not become discouraged.

We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair;

For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.

so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area.

Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test!

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven.

But as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.”

But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate) he has saddened all of you as well.

was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak.

I had no relief in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-bye to them and set out for Macedonia.

Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day.

But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you.

And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows)

since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you but is powerful among you.