Have you been thinking all along that
we are defending ourselves to you?
In the sight of God,
we are speaking
in Christ
and everything,
beloved,
is for building you up.
For I fear
lest having come
I might not find you
as I want
and as you want
you might not find me-
perhaps (there will be)
quarrelling
jealousy
anger
selfishness
slander
gossip
conceit
disorder.
Again
(I fear) that having come
my God will humiliate me
before you all,
I might grieve over many
who have persisted in sinning before
and not repented
over impurity,
sexual immorality
and indecency
which they have committed.
O Lord Jesus Christ,
stay beside me to defend me,
within me to guide me,
before me to lead me,
and above me to bless me,
that with you and in you,
I may live, and move and have my being,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
(unknown)