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New International Version |   | |
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| | 2Cr 13:1 | This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."
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| | 2Cr 13:2 | I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,
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| | 2Cr 13:3 | since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
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| | 2Cr 13:4 | For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.
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| | 2Cr 13:5 | Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?
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| | 2Cr 13:6 | And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
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| | 2Cr 13:7 | Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
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| | 2Cr 13:8 | For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
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| | 2Cr 13:9 | We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.
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| | 2Cr 13:10 | This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
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| | 2Cr 13:11 | Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
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| | 2Cr 13:12 | Greet one another with a holy kiss.
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| | 2Cr 13:13 | All the saints send their greetings.
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| | 2Cr 13:14 | May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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