¹⁵ And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient,^(A) receiving him with fear and trembling.^(B)

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^(A)

⁹ Another reason I wrote you^(A) was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.^(B)

¹⁷ If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them,^(A) how can the love of God be in that person?^(B)

¹⁴ Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,^(A) in order that they may feel ashamed.^(B)

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(A) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(B) gentleness and patience.^(C)

⁸ God can testify^(A) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,^(A) and we take captive every thought to make it obedient^(B) to Christ. ⁶ And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.^(C)

¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation^(A) and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. ¹¹ See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern,^(B) what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

¹² We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.