2 Corinthians 10:7-18

712You are looking at 3things as they are outwardly. 4If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, 5so also are we. 8For even if 6I boast somewhat 7further about our 8authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, 99for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. 10For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his 10personal presence is 11unimpressive and 12his speech contemptible.” 11Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.

12For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with 13some of those who 14commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13But we will not boast 15beyond our measure, but 1617within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 14For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for 18we were the first to come even as far as you in the 19gospel of Christ; 15not boasting 20beyond our measure, that is, in 21other men’s labors, but with the hope that as 22your faith grows, we will be, 23within our sphere, 24enlarged even more by you, 16so as to 25preach the gospel even to 26the regions beyond you, and not to boast 2728in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17But 29he who boasts is to boast in the Lord. 18For it is not he who 30commends himself that is approved, but he 31whom the Lord commends.