2 Corinthians 6:3-13 - The Character Of Paul's Ministry

³ as for us, we give no occasion of offence, that our ministry may not be blamed: ⁴ but in all things I approve myself as the minister of God, by great constancy in afflictions, in torments, in distresses, from stripes, ⁵ from imprisonments, from tumults, from labours, from watchings, from penury. ⁶ I approve myself, by chastity, by knowledge, by meekness, by kindness, by sanctity of mind, by undisguised benevolence, ⁷ by the preaching of truth, by the power of God, by the arms of justice, both offensive and defensive. ⁸ in honour and disgrace, under infamy, and in repute: look'd upon as an impostor, while I say what is true; ⁹ as unknown, and yet celebrated; as dying, and yet I am alive; as chastised, but not slain; ¹⁰ as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.

¹¹ O Corinthians, my heart is so full, my tongue cannot be silent: ¹² our affections are as enlarged towards you, as yours are contracted towards us. ¹³ I address myself to you as a parent, be not you wanting in the returns of filial respect to me.