For just as the sufferings ¹  of Christ ²  overflow ³  toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you. ⁴ 

For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

Now as a fair exchange – I speak as to my ¹  children – open wide your hearts to us ²  also.

Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, ¹  the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,

Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance ¹  by signs and wonders and powerful deeds. ² 

But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate) ¹  he has saddened all of you as well.

Thus ¹  we urged ²  Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, ³  so also he should complete this act of kindness ⁴  for you.

And we all, with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord, ¹  are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, ²  which is from ³  the Lord, who is the Spirit. ⁴ 

For if I have boasted to him about anything concerning you, I have not been embarrassed by you, ¹  but just as everything we said to you was true, ²  so our boasting to Titus about you ³  has proved true as well.

Now I, Paul, appeal to you ¹  personally ²  by the meekness and gentleness ³  of Christ (I who am meek ⁴  when present among ⁵  you, but am full of courage ⁶  toward you when away!) –

But we have rejected ¹  shameful hidden deeds, ²  not behaving ³  with deceptiveness ⁴  or distorting the word of God, but by open proclamation of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience before God.

For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing –

through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as impostors, ¹  and yet true;

If I must boast, ¹  I will boast about the things that show my weakness. ² 

On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.

My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously ¹  will also reap generously.

So then, even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong, or on account of the one who was wronged, but to reveal to you your eagerness on our behalf ¹  before God.

At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, ¹  so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality,

For sadness as intended by God produces a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret, but worldly sadness brings about death.

because the service of this ministry is not only providing for ¹  the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.