102 Corinthians 10

Paul Defends His Work for Christ

1Do you think I am a coward when I am with you and brave when I am far away? Well, I ask you to listen, because Christ himself was humble and gentle.Select 2 Corinthians 10:1

2Some people have said we act like the people of this world. So when I arrive, I expect I will have to be firm and forceful in what I say to them. Please don't make me treat you that way.Select 2 Corinthians 10:2

3We live in this world, but we don't act like its peopleSelect 2 Corinthians 10:3

4or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God's power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy argumentsSelect 2 Corinthians 10:4

5and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people's thoughts and make them obey Christ.Select 2 Corinthians 10:5

6And when you completely obey him, we will punish anyone who refuses to obey.Select 2 Corinthians 10:6

7You judge by appearances. If any of you think you are the only ones who belong to Christ, then think again. We belong to Christ as much as you do.Select 2 Corinthians 10:7

8Maybe I brag a little too much about the authority that the Lord gave me to help you and not to hurt you. Yet I am not embarrassed to brag.Select 2 Corinthians 10:8

9And I am not trying to scare you with my letters.Select 2 Corinthians 10:9

10Some of you are saying, “Paul's letters are harsh and powerful. But in person, he is a weakling and has nothing worth saying.”Select 2 Corinthians 10:10

11Those people had better understand that when I am with you, I will do exactly what I say in my letters.Select 2 Corinthians 10:11

12We won't dare compare ourselves with those who think so much of themselves. But they are foolish to compare themselves with themselves.Select 2 Corinthians 10:12

13We won't brag about something we don't have a right to brag about. We will only brag about the work God has sent us to do, and you are part of that work.Select 2 Corinthians 10:13

14We are not bragging more than we should. After all, we did bring the message about Christ to you.Select 2 Corinthians 10:14

15We don't brag about what others have done, as if we had done those things ourselves. But I hope as you become stronger in your faith, we will be able to reach many more of the people around you. That has always been our goal.Select 2 Corinthians 10:15

16Then we will be able to preach the good news in other lands where we cannot take credit for work someone else has already done.Select 2 Corinthians 10:16

17The Scriptures say, “If you want to brag, then brag about the Lord.”Select 2 Corinthians 10:17

18You may brag about yourself, but the only approval that counts is the Lord's approval.Select 2 Corinthians 10:18