²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”^(A)

¹⁰ Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,

³ since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me.^(A) He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.

¹⁰ This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh^(A) in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.^(B)