[1] This is the third time I am coming to you. Any charge must be sustained
by the evidence of two or three witnesses. [2] I warned those who sinned
before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when
present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them--
[3] since you desire proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in
dealing with you, but is powerful in you. [4] For he was crucified in
weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him, but in
dealing with you we shall live with him by the power of God. [5] Examine
yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves.
Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to
meet the test! [6] I hope you will find out that we have not failed. [7]
But we pray God that you may not do wrong--not that we may appear to have
met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have
failed. [8] For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the
truth. [9] For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. What we
pray for is your improvement. [10] I write this while I am away from you,
in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the
authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing
down. [11] Finally, brethren, farewell. Mend your ways, heed my appeal,
agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will
be with you. [12] Greet one another with a holy kiss. [13] All the saints
greet you. [14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
