2 Corinthians 12:4-14 (New International Version)
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4
was caught up1 to paradise.2 He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.
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I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.3
6
Even if I should choose to boast,4 I would not be a fool,5 because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.
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To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations,6 there was given me a thorn in my flesh,7 a messenger of Satan,8 to torment me.
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Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.9
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But he said to me, "My grace10 is sufficient for you, for my power11 is made perfect in weakness.12"13 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
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That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight14 in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,15 in persecutions,16 in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.17
Paul's Concern for the Corinthians
11 I have made a fool of myself,18 but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles,"19 even though I am nothing.20 12 The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles21--were done among you with great perseverance. 13 How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you?22 Forgive me this wrong!23 14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time,24 and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents,25 but parents for their children.26Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online)
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