1. And I decided this within myself, not to come to you again in sadness.
2. For if I make you sad, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sad by me?
3. And I wrote to you as I did, so that having come, I might not have sadness over those from whom I should have joy, trusting in you all that my joy is that of you all.
4. For out of much pressure and distress of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be sad, but that you might know the love which I so richly have for you.
5. But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not made me sad, but in some degree you all – not to be too harsh.
6. For such a one this punishment, by the many, is sufficient,
7. so that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive and comfort, lest somehow such a one be swallowed up with too much sadness.
8. So I appeal to you to confirm your love to him.
9. Besides, I wrote for this purpose also, that I might know the proof of you, if you are obedient in all matters.