1 Corinthians 4:11-21 ▼

11 Even to this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are poorly clothed, and are maltreated, and wander about without a home,

12 and labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

13 when defamed, we entreat; we have become like the outcasts of the world, the offscouring of all things to this day.

14 I do not write these things that I may make you ashamed; but as my beloved children I admonish you.

15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet you have not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

16 I exhort you, therefore, be imitators of me.

17 For this reason have I sent to you Timothy, who is my son, beloved and faithful in the Lord, that he may remind you of my ways that are in Christ, as I teach everywhere, in every church.

18 Now, some have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you;

19 but I will come to you quickly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the speech of those who have become arrogant, but the power.

20 For the kingdom of God is not in speech, but in power.

21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of gentleness?