| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New Living Translation |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you. Forgiveness for the Sinner |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13But I had no peace of mind because my dear brother Titus hadn’t yet arrived with a report from you. So I said good-bye and went on to Macedonia to find him. Ministers of the New Covenant |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? |
| 17[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 17You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
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