⁷ Look at what is right in front of you! If anyone is sure about belonging to Christ, that person should think again. We belong to Christ just like that person. ⁸ Even if I went on to brag about our authority, I wouldn’t be ashamed of it. The Lord gave us that authority to build you up and not to destroy you.

⁹ I don’t want it to seem like I’m trying to intimidate you with my letters. ¹⁰ I know what some people are saying: “His letters are severe and powerful, but in person he is weak and his speech is worth nothing.” ¹¹ These people need to think about this—that when we are with you, our actions will show that we are the same as the words we wrote when we were away from you.