1. So I made up my mind that I would not come to you again causing sorrow.
2. For if I cause you sorrow, then who is there cheering me on but the one I have made sorrowful?
3. And I wrote this very thing to you, so that when I came I wouldn’t have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice—having confidence in you all that my joy is yours.
4. For out of much distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears—not to make you sorrowful, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you.
5. But if anyone has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but to some extent—not to exaggerate—to all of you.
6. For such a person, this punishment by the majority is enough.
7. So instead you should forgive him and encourage him. Otherwise such a person might be swallowed up by excessive sorrow.
8. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.
9. For to this end I also wrote, that I might know your character, whether you are obedient in all things.