3. You will have all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. When he deals with you, he is not weak; instead, he shows his power among you.
4. For even though it was in weakness that he was put to death on the cross, it is by God's power that he lives. In union with him we also are weak; but in our relations with you we shall share God's power in his life.
5. Put yourselves to the test and judge yourselves, to find out whether you are living in faith. Surely you know that Christ Jesus is in you? — unless you have completely failed.
6. I trust you will know that we are not failures.
7. We pray to God that you will do no wrong — not in order to show that we are a success, but so that you may do what is right, even though we may seem to be failures.
8. For we cannot do a thing against the truth, but only for it.
9. We are glad when we are weak but you are strong. And so we also pray that you will become perfect.
10. That is why I write this while I am away from you; it is so that when I arrive I will not have to deal harshly with you in using the authority that the Lord has given me — authority to build you up, not to tear you down.
11. And now, my brothers and sisters, goodbye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals; agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12. Greet one another with a holy kiss.All God's people send you their greetings.