 1 This now, is the third time that I am coming to you. By the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall be established. Matthew 18:16 2 I have told you before, and now I am forewarning+ you a second time as though I were present with you. Being absent from you now, I am writing to those who have sinned before+ and to all others to say that if I come again, I will not spare you. 3 Since you seek proof in me, I am speaking of Christ who is not weak toward you, but is mighty in you. 4 For though Christ was crucified through weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you yourselves not know that Jesus Christ is in you, unless+ you are reprobates~. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not reprobates~. 7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil. Not so that we may appear as approved, but so that you would do what is honest, even if we are rejected+. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad when we are weak and you are strong. This also we wish, even your perfection~. 10 Therefore, being absent from you, I write these things to you lest by being present I should use sharp words according to the authority+ that the Lord has given to me for edification and not for destruction. 11 Finally, family+: Farewell. Be perfect~. Be of good comfort~. Be of one mind. 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 communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
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