²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,^(A) as though God were making his appeal through us.^(B) We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.^{(C) 21} God made him who had no sin^(D) to be sin^[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.^(E)

6 As God’s co-workers^(F) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.^{(G) 2} For he says,

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Hardships

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,^(I) so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments^(J) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;^{(K) 6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit^(L) and in sincere love;^{(M) 7} in truthful speech^(N) and in the power of God;^(O) with weapons of righteousness^(P) in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor,^(Q) bad report^(R) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;^{(S) 9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,^(T) and yet we live on;^(U) beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;^(V) poor, yet making many rich;^(W) having nothing,^(X) and yet possessing everything.^(Y)

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.^{(Z) 12} We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. ¹³ As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children^(AA)—open wide your hearts^(AB) also.