For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not that you should be hurt, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you.

Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.

For Christ’s love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died.

by purity, by knowledge,
by patience, by kindness,
by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

Now as you excel in everything—faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this grace.

I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love.

Therefore, show them proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you.

Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do!

I will most gladly spend and be spent for you. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.