1This is the third time that I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter shall be established. 2I have previously told you, and I am telling you in advance the second time, as though I were present; but since I am absent now, I am writing to those who have continued to sin until now--and to all the rest--that if I come again, I will not spare. 3Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking through me (Who is not weak toward you, but is powerful in you; 4For although He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God's power; and we are indeed weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by God's power toward you),

5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Don't you of your own selves know that Jesus Christ is in you? Otherwise, you are reprobates. 6But I hope that you will recognize that we are not reprobates. 7Now I am praying to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear to be approved, but that you may do what is right, even if we are regarded as reprobates. 8For we do not have any power against the truth, but only for the truth. 9And we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong; for we are also praying for this--even your perfection. 10For this cause, I am writing these things to you while I am absent, in order that when I am present I may not treat you with severity, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.

11In conclusion, brethren, rejoice! Be perfected; be encouraged; be of the same mind; be at peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send salutations to you. 13The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

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