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

³ We do not give anyone an occasion for taking an offense in anything, so that no fault may be found with our ministry. ⁴ But as God's servants, we have commended ourselves in every way, with great endurance, in persecutions, in difficulties, in distresses, ⁵ in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in troubles, in sleepless nights, in hunger, ⁶ by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by benevolence, by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love, ⁷ by truthful teaching, by the power of God, with weapons of righteousness both for the right hand and for the left, ⁸ through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as impostors, and yet true; ⁹ as unknown, and yet well-known; as dying and yet -- see! -- we continue to live; as those who are scourged and yet not executed; ¹⁰ as sorrowful, but always rejoicing, as poor, but making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide to you. ¹² Our affection for you is not restricted, but you are restricted in your affections for us. ¹³ Now as a fair exchange -- I speak as to my children -- open wide your hearts to us also.