7. for we live by faith, not by sight.
8. Thus we are full of courage and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
9. So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him.
10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.
11. Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.
12. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may be able to answer those who take pride in outward appearance and not in what is in the heart.