¹¹ Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.

¹⁸ If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

An Approved Worker

¹⁵ Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

²¹ I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.

²² Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader.^[a] Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

⁷ His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!

¹³ God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”^[a]

²³ Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others,^[a] but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.^[b]

² Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,