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If my visits create such pain and sorrow for you, who can cheer me up except for those I’ve caused such grief? This is exactly what I was writing to you about earlier so that when we are face-to-face I will not have to wallow in sadness in the presence of friends who should bring me the utmost joy. For I felt sure that my delight would also become your delight. My last letter to you was covered with tears, composed with great difficulty, and frankly, a broken heart. It wasn’t my intention to depress you or cause you pain; rather, I had hoped you would see it for what it was—a demonstration of the overwhelming love I have for all of you.

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For if I grieve you,(A) who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did,(B) so that when I came I would not be distressed(C) by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence(D) in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you(E) 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.

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