22 He put his mark on us to show that we are his. And he put his Spirit in our hearts to be a guarantee for all he has promised.

23 I tell you this, and I ask God to be my witness that this is true: The reason I did not come back to Corinth was that I did not want to punish or hurt you.

24 I do not mean that we are trying to control your faith. You are strong in faith. But we are workers with you for your own happiness.