²¹ What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod,^(A) or in love and a spirit of gentleness?^(B)

² I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning^(A) while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient,

¹⁰ This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up^(A) and not for tearing down.^(B)