⁷ You are looking at things only according to the outward appearance. If anyone has convinced himself that he belongs to Christ, let him consider this about himself: We belong to Christ just as much as he does. ⁸ Indeed, even if I may boast some more about our authority, which the Lord has given for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be put to shame. ⁹ My purpose is not to seem as if I am trying to frighten you by my letters. ¹⁰ For some say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his physical presence is weak, and his speech amounts to nothing.” ¹¹ Let such a person consider this: What we are, by our word through letters when we are away, is just what we will be in our work when we are present.