²³ But I call on God as my soul’s witness, that it was to spare you [pain and discouragement] that I did not come again to Corinth— ²⁴ not that we rule [like dictators] over your faith, but rather we work with you for [the increase of] your joy; for in your faith you stand firm [in your strong conviction that Jesus of Nazareth—the Messiah—is the Son of God, through whom we obtain eternal salvation].

Reaffirm Your Love

2 But I made up my mind not to grieve you with another painful visit. ² For if I cause you grief [by a well-deserved rebuke], who then provides me enjoyment but the very one whom I have made sad? ³ And I ^[a]wrote this same thing to you, so that when I came, I would not be filled with sorrow by those who ought to make me glad, for I trusted in you and felt confident that my joy would be shared by all of you. ⁴ For I wrote to you out of great distress and with an anguished heart, and with many tears, not to cause you sorrow but to make you realize the [overflowing] love which I have especially for you.