Gospel Forged Endurance

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God invain. 2 For he says,

“In a favorable time I listened to you,

and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstaclein anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of Godwe commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships,calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity,knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and thepower of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors,and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; aspunished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet makingmany rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are notrestricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as tochildren) widen your hearts also.