3 I wrote this very thing so that when I came I wouldn’t have pain from those who ought to give me joy, because I am confidentax about all of you that my joy will also be yours. 4 For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you.

A SINNER FORGIVEN

5 If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree—not to exaggeratea—to all of you. 6 This punishment by the majority is sufficient for that person. 7 As a result, you should instead forgiveb and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overwhelmed by excessive grief. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 I wrote for this purpose: to test your characterc to see if you are obedientd in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I do too. For what I have forgiven—if I have forgiven anything—it is for your benefit in the presence of Christ,