13:10a This is why I write these things while absent,

That is why I wrote those things ⌊in this letter⌋ while I am not yet there,
-or-
I am writing this letter before I arrive ⌊there⌋ for that very purpose/reason,

13:10b so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority

so that when I come I will not have to act severely ⌊towards you (plur.)⌋ with the authority
-or-
in order that I will not need to use my authority in a severe way when I come.

13:10c that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

that the Lord gave to me to build your faith rather than destroy it.
-or-
The Lord gave that authority to me to help you to become mature believers, and not to hurt/harm the way you believe.

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