⁷ Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. ⁸ For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. ⁹ We are glad whenever we are weak^(A) but you are strong;^(B) and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.^{(C) 10} This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh^(D) in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.^(E)