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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 4:12-21, Berean Annotated Bible. Public domain.
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