1 Corinthians 4:14-21

14I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.

15For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you.

16So I urge you to imitate me.

17That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.

18Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again.

19But I will come—and soon—if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power.

20For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

21Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?