2Corinthians:12

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Seeker Overlay ON

* I must boast ; there is nothing to be gained by it , but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord . * I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know , God knows . * And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know , God knows -- * and he heard things that cannot be told , which man may not utter . * On behalf of this man I will boast , but on my own behalf I will not boast , except of my weaknesses . * Though if I wish to boast , I shall not be a fool , for I shall be speaking the truth . But I refrain from it , so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me . * And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations , a thorn was given me in the flesh , a messenger of Satan , to harass me , to keep me from being too elated . * Three times I besought the Lord about this , that it should leave me ; * but he said to me , "My grace is sufficient for you , for my power is made perfect in weakness ." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses , that the power of Christ may rest upon me . * For the sake of Christ , then , I am content with weaknesses , insults , hardships , persecutions , and calamities ; for when I am weak , then I am strong . * I have been a fool ! You forced me to it , for I ought to have been commended by you . For I was not at all inferior to these superlative apostles , even though I am nothing . * The signs of a true apostle were performed among you in all patience , with signs and wonders and mighty works . * For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches , except that I myself did not burden you ? Forgive me this wrong ! * Here for the third time I am ready to come to you . And I will not be a burden , for I seek not what is yours but you ; for children ought not to lay up for their parents , but parents for their children . * I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls . If I love you the more , am I to be loved the less ? * But granting that I myself did not burden you , I was crafty , you say , and got the better of you by guile . * Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you ? * I urged Titus to go , and sent the brother with him . Did Titus take advantage of you ? Did we not act in the same spirit ? Did we not take the same steps ? * Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves before you ? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ , and all for your upbuilding , beloved . * For I fear that perhaps I may come and find you not what I wish , and that you may find me not what you wish ; that perhaps there may be quarreling , jealousy , anger , selfishness , slander , gossip , conceit , and disorder . * I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you , and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity , immorality , and licentiousness which they have practiced .

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