1 But I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 For if I make you sorrowful, who then will there be to make me rejoice, but the one whom I have made sorrowful?
3 I wrote concerning this matter to you, so that when I came, I would not be grieved by those in whom I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all, that my joy is your joy.
4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.
5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but to some extent all of you, not to put it too severely.
6 This punishment which was inflicted by many on such a man is sufficient.
7 So on the contrary, you ought to forgive him and comfort him, lest perhaps he might be swallowed up with excessive sorrow.