²³ I call upon God as a witness on my behalf that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. ²⁴ It is not that we are trying to rule over your faith, but rather to work with you for your joy, because you have been standing firm in the faith.

Paul’s Painful Visit

2 Now^[a] I decided not to pay you another painful visit. ² After all, if I were to grieve you, who should make me happy but the person I am making sad? ³ This is the very reason I wrote you, so that when I did come I might not be made sad by those who should have made me happy. For I had confidence that all of you would share the joy that I have. ⁴ I wrote to you out of great sorrow and anguish of heart—along with many tears—not to make you sad but to let you know how much love I have for you.