11. We know what it means to fear the Lord. So we try to help people accept the truth. God knows what we really are. And I hope that in your hearts you know, too.
12. We are not trying to prove ourselves to you again. But we are telling you about ourselves, so you will be proud of us. Then you will have an answer for those who are proud about things that can be seen. They do not care about what is in the heart.
13. If we are out of our minds, it is for God. If we have our right mind, then it is for you.
14. The love of Christ controls us. Because we know that One died for all. So all have died.
15. Christ died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from death so that they would live for him.
16. From this time on we do not think of anyone as the world does. It is true that in the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks. But we no longer think of him in that way.
17. If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new. The old things have gone; everything is made new!