This punishment on such an individual by the majority is enough for him,

<t /><p class="bodytext">Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy,<n id="1" /> we do not become discouraged.<n id="2" />

Let such a person consider this: What we say<n id="1" /> by letters when we are absent, we also are in actions when we are present.p>

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we behave with great boldness,<n id="1" />

We did this<n id="1" /> as a precaution so that no one should blame us in regard to this generous gift we are administering.

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

And with this confidence I intended to come to you first so that you would get a second opportunity to see us,<n id="1" />

So<n id="1" /> I made up my own mind<n id="2" /> not to pay you another painful visit.<n id="3" />

<p class="bodytext">Now we have such confidence in God through Christ.

For in this earthly house<n id="1" /> we groan, because we desire to put on<n id="2" /> our heavenly dwelling,

At the present time, your abundance will meet their need,<n id="1" /> so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality,

For such people are false apostles, deceitful<n id="1" /> workers, disguising themselves<n id="2" /> as apostles of Christ.

I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me.

Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive<n id="1" /> I may not have to deal harshly with you<n id="2" /> by using my authority &#8211; the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!p>

He<n id="1" /> delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him<n id="2" /> that<n id="3" /> he will deliver us yet again,

so that now instead<n id="1" /> you should rather forgive and comfort him.<n id="2" /> This will keep him from being overwhelmed by excessive grief to the point of despair.<n id="3" />

For this reason also I wrote you:<n id="1" /> to test you to see<n id="2" /> if you are obedient in everything.

to the latter an odor<n id="1" /> from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?<n id="2" />

For indeed, what had been glorious now<n id="1" /> has no glory because of the tremendously greater glory of what replaced it.<n id="2" />

Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose<n id="1" /> is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.<n id="2" />