Paul’s Hardships

3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,a so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonmentsb and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;c 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spiritd and in sincere love;e 7 in truthful speechf and in the power of God;g with weapons of righteousnessh in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor,i bad reportj and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;k 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,l and yet we live on;m beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;n poor, yet making many rich;o having nothing,p and yet possessing everything.q

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.r 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my childrens—open wide your heartst also.