17 That is why I am sending Timothy to you. He is my son in the Lord. I love Timothy, and he is faithful. He will help you remember the way I live in Christ Jesus. This way of life is what I teach in all the churches everywhere.
18 Some of you have become proud, thinking that I will not come to you again.
19 But I will come very soon if the Lord wants me to. Then I will see what those who are proud can do, not what they say.
20 I want to see this because the kingdom of God is not talk but power.
21 Which do you want: that I come to you with punishment, or that I come with love and gentleness?