⁴ For I wrote you^(A) out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

⁹ Another reason I wrote you^(A) was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.^(B)

⁸ Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter,^(A) I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—

¹² So even though I wrote to you,^(A) it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong^(B) nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.