⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.^{(A) 9} So we make it our goal to please him,^(B) whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us^(C) for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹ Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord,^(D) we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.^{(E) 12} We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again,^(F) but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us,^(G) so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you,^(A) we have not stopped praying for you.^(B) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will^(C) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^{[a](D) 10} so that you may live a life worthy^(E) of the Lord and please him^(F) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^(G)

³ Join with me in suffering,^(A) like a good soldier^(B) of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown^(C) except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.^{(D) 7} Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.