Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth ¹  we are absent from the Lord –

So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you ¹  made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give,

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship ¹  of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

as unknown, and yet well-known; as dying and yet – see! – we continue to live; as those who are scourged ¹  and yet not executed;

Look, for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you, because I do not want your possessions, but you. For children should not have ¹  to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

For in this earthly house ¹  we groan, because we desire to put on ²  our heavenly dwelling,

So then whether we are alive ¹  or away, we make it our ambition to please him. ² 

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea ¹  through us. We plead with you ²  on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”