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11 To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. 14 I am not writing this to shame you⁺, but to warn you as my beloved {agapēta} children. 15 Even if you⁺ have ten thousand guardians in Christ (the Anointed One), you do not have many fathers {pateras}; for in Christ Jesus (YHWH saves) I became your⁺ father through the gospel (good news). 16 Therefore I urge you⁺ to imitate me. 17 That is why I have sent you⁺ Timothy (honoring God), my beloved {agapēton} and faithful child in the Lord {Kyriō}. He will remind you⁺ of my way of life in Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus [my way of life in Christ,], which is exactly what I teach {didaskō} everywhere in every church {ekklēsia}. 18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you⁺. 19 But I will come to you⁺ shortly, if the Lord {Kyrios} is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have {dynamin}. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power {dynamei}. 21 Which do you⁺ prefer? Shall I come to you⁺ with a rod, or in love {agapē} and with a gentle spirit {pneumati}? 1 Corinthians 4:11-21, Berean Annotated Bible. Public domain.
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