while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Therefore, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord;

and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced still more.

For though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you sorry, though just for a while.

His affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him.

while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.

For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.