2 Corinthians 13

1 This third time I am coming to you. On the word of two witnesses and of three every matter will be settled. [a] 2 I have said before, and I say beforehand — as when I was present the second time, and now while absent — to those who sinned before and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare, [b] 3 since you are seeking what is proved of the Christ who speaks in me, who is not weak toward you but is powerful among you. [c] 4 For indeed he was crucified out of weakness, but he lives out of God’s power. For indeed we are weak in him, but we will live with him out of God’s power toward you.

5 Test yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove yourselves. Or do you not recognize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless you are unapproved. [d] 6 But I hope that you will know that we are not unapproved. 7 And we pray to God that you do nothing evil — not so that we ourselves may appear approved, but so that you may do what is good, and we may be as unapproved. [e] 8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we rejoice whenever we are weak and you are powerful; and this we pray for as well: your mending. [f] 10 For this reason I write these things while absent, so that when present I may not deal sharply, according to the authority the Lord gave me — for building up and not for tearing down. [g]

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice; be mended; be encouraged; think the same thing; be at peace — and the God of love and peace will be with you. [h] 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones greet you. [i]