For I fear that perhaps when I come I will not find you to be what I want, and I may not be found by you to be what you want; there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

I gave warning, and I give warning-- as when I was present the second time, so now while I am absent-- to those who sinned before and to all the rest: if I come again, I will not be lenient,

since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you.

This is why I am writing these things while absent, that when I am there I will not use severity, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will know not the talk but the power of those who are inflated with pride.

For the kingdom of God is not in talk but in power.