1 Corinthians 4:11-16

New International Version

¹¹ To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.^{(A) 12} We work hard with our own hands.^(B) When we are cursed, we bless;^(C) when we are persecuted,^(D) we endure it; ¹³ when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage^(E) of the world—right up to this moment.

Paul’s Appeal and Warning

¹⁴ I am writing this not to shame you^(F) but to warn you as my dear children.^{(G) 15} Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father^(H) through the gospel.^{(I) 16} Therefore I urge you to imitate me.^(J)