Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from the Lord --

Let such a person consider this: What we say by letters when we are absent, we also are in actions when we are present.

I said before when I was present the second time and now, though absent, I say again to those who sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone,

Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority -- the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!