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For I wrote to you out of much distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
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So I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.
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For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died.
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by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love,
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Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.
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I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others.
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Therefore, openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.
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Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
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And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
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I will most gladly spend and be spent for you. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
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Final Greetings and Benediction
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
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The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
