For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Christ Our Pattern

I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

Love for the Church

Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

Greetings and Benediction

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.