2 Corinthians 6:3-11

3We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed.

4Instead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties,

5by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger,

6by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

7by the word of truth, by the power of God; through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,

8through glory and dishonor, through slander and good report; regarded as deceivers, yet true;

9as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see — we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed;

10as grieving, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

11We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide.