Study Desk

Christ died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from the dead so that they would live for him.

So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is as if God is calling to you through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God.

We are workers together with God, so we beg you: Do not let the grace that you received from God be for nothing.

We do not want anyone to find fault with our work, so nothing we do will be a problem for anyone.

Our feelings of love for you have not stopped, but you have stopped your feelings of love for us.

We were comforted, not only by his coming but also by the comfort you gave him. Titus told us about your wish to see me and that you are very sorry for what you did. He also told me about your great care for me, and when I heard this, I was much happier.

Even if my letter made you sad, I am not sorry I wrote it. At first I was sorry, because it made you sad, but you were sad only for a short time.

The kind of sorrow God wants makes people change their hearts and lives. This leads to salvation, and you cannot be sorry for that. But the kind of sorrow the world has brings death.

I wrote that letter, not because of the one who did the wrong or because of the person who was hurt. I wrote the letter so you could see, before God, the great care you have for us.

And his love for you is stronger when he remembers that you were all ready to obey. You welcomed him with respect and fear.

But they begged and pleaded with us to let them share in this service for God's people.

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know that Christ was rich, but for you he became poor so that by his becoming poor you might become rich.

I thank God because he gave Titus the same love for you that I have.

We are being careful so that no one will criticize us for the way we are handling this large gift.

I really do not need to write you about this help for God's people.

God is the One who gives seed to the farmer and bread for food. He will give you all the seed you need and make it grow so there will be a great harvest from your goodness.

Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful for words.

So it does not surprise us if Satan's servants also make themselves look like servants who work for what is right. But in the end they will be punished for what they do.

Besides all this, there is on me every day the load of my concern for all the churches.

But he said to me, "My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me.