to the one, we are the odor of death ending in death; to the other, the odor of life ending in life: and who is sufficient for these things?

For all these afflictions are for your sakes, that the favor which abounds to me, may, through the thanksgiving of the many, abound richly to the glory of God.

And all these things are from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every pollution of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Do you think again that we offer you a defense of ourselves? We speak all these things before God in Christ, beloved, for your edification.

For this reason, I write these things, while absent, that I may not, when present, use severity, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification, and not for destruction.