11 Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord,(A) we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in outward appearance rather than in the heart. 13 For if we are out of our mind,(B) it is for God; if we are in our right mind,(C) it is for you.

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The Messiah’s Love Controls Us

11 Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade people. We ourselves are perfectly known to God. I hope we are also really known to your consciences. 12 We are not recommending ourselves to you again but are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who are proud of outward things rather than inward character.[a] 13 So if we were crazy, it was for God; if we are sane, it is for you.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 5:12 Lit. rather than the heart