For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is (the joy) of you all.
Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.