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We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.

10 I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won’t need to deal severely with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down.

Paul’s Final Greetings

11 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

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Footnotes

  1. 13:11 Greek Brothers.

We are glad whenever we are weak(A) but you are strong;(B) and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.(C) 10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh(D) in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.(E)

Final Greetings

11 Finally, brothers and sisters,(F) rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.(G) And the God of love(H) and peace(I) will be with you.

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