²¹ What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline,^(A) or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

² I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent:^(A) On my return I will not spare^(B) those who sinned earlier^(C) or any of the others,

⁷ Instead, we were like young children^[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,^(A)

¹⁰ This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh^(A) in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.^(B)

²⁰ For I am afraid that when I come^(A) I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be.^(B) I fear that there may be discord,^(C) jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,^(D) slander,^(E) gossip,^(F) arrogance^(G) and disorder.^{(H) 21} I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved^(I) over many who have sinned earlier^(J) and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery^(K) in which they have indulged.

³ I wrote as I did,^(A) so that when I came I would not be distressed^(B) by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence^(C) in all of you, that you would all share my joy.

²³ I call God as my witness^(A)—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you^(B) that I did not return to Corinth.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(A) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(B) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(C) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^(D)

⁶ And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.^(A)