6. So we always have courage. We know that while we live in this body, we are away from the Lord.
7. We live by what we believe, not by what we can see.
8. So I say that we have courage. We really want to be away from this body and be at home with the Lord.
9. Our only goal is to please God whether we live here or there,
10. because we must all stand before Christ to be judged. Each of us will receive what we should get—good or bad—for the things we did in the earthly body.
11. Since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to help people accept the truth about us. God knows what we really are, and I hope that in your hearts you know, too.
12. We are not trying to prove ourselves to you again, but we are telling you about ourselves so you will be proud of us. Then you will have an answer for those who are proud about things that can be seen rather than what is in the heart.
13. If we are out of our minds, it is for God. If we have our right minds, it is for you.