2 Corinthians 13

1This will be my third visit to you. Every matter must be settled by the word of two or three witnesses.

2I warned those who sinned earlier during my second visit. Now, while I am away, I warn everyone again. When I return, I will spare no unrepentant sinner!

3You want proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you; He is powerful among you.

4Cruel men nailed Christ to the cross in human weakness. Yet He lives today by the almighty power of God! We share in His weakness, but we will live with Him. We will use God's mighty power to serve you.

5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test.

6And I hope you will see that we have not failed the test.

7We pray to God that you will do no wrong. We do not care about proving that we passed the test. We only care that you do what is right! We want this even if people think we failed.

8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

9We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong. And our prayer is that you may be fully mature.

10I write these warnings while I am away from you. I do this so I will not need harsh discipline when I arrive. The Lord gave me authority to build you up strong. He never gave me authority to tear you down!

11Finally, brothers and sisters, goodbye. Aim for full maturity, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, and live in peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

12Greet one another with a holy kiss.

13All God's people here send you greetings.

14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you! May the boundless love of God surround you! May the fellowship of the Holy Spirit unite all of you! Amen.