⁴ I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you.^(A) I am greatly encouraged;^(B) in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.^(C)

¹⁰ This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh^(A) in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.^(B)