All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

For I testify that according to their ability, and even beyond their ability, they gave of their own free will,

And they did not do as we expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I shall not be put to shame.

I write these things while I am absent, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord gave me for building you up, and not for tearing you down.